Spirit and Phantom Festivals

There are two main festivals that are regularly celebrated that coincide with the turning of the moon: New and Full. These are sometimes celebrated in smaller ways each cycle, but the largest of these celebrations are the first new moon of the year and the first full moon after the summer solstice. The full moon festival celebrates Spirits and their blessings, whereas the new moon festival celebrates the opposite: Phantoms. The light from the moon is said to represent the feelings and attitudes of each type of otherworldly being. 
The Spirit Festival is about revelling in the positives of the year and the bounties and blessings received. The ceremony originally saw humans observe the movement of the moon just after sunset and track its movement across the sky while praying to Spirits they feel an association with. This has devolved from a respect of the full moon and Spirits to an excuse to gather together and eat food. The feast of food is meant to be tidings of a bountiful harvest, as if there is enough to eat at midsummer, there will be more to eat later. The harvest is usually overseen and blessed by Spirits, and thus the feast is used to show appreciation for what has already been received. The festivities usually last late into the night. In newer times this has moved away from a community gathering to more secluded family groups. 
The Phantom Festival is about respecting the hard times experienced. These festivals are about savouring sweet dishes that are meant to 'wash away' the bitterness left from hardships, although alcohol has slowly been replacing sweets as the expected vice. As many lights as possible are lit up to combat the darkness of the new moon and to ward off malicious Phantoms. If the Spirit Festival is for gathering and revelling, the Phantom Festival is for mourning. Magic users are expected to provide their discounted services during the festival in the form of light, healing, and mental relief. It is considered to be one of the busiest times of year for Mages, Witches, and Healers. Poorer families will hold funerals for everyone who has passed that the year during the day (instead of individual funerals), followed by nighttime vigils.