Harvest Close Festival

A week long event in the last month of the Autumn season to celebrate the hard work of Omari's farmers/food producers. Settlements all across the islands hold their own celebrations full of activities, contests, and delicious food. There are many food stalls set up where people can sample the season's produce and buy products from locals. Baked goods, diverse dishes, and even hand crafts can be easily found and bought during the festival as well. On the last day there is a large firework display in the largest settlement on each island. There is also a pie eating contest on the third day; each year has a different flavor assigned to it.

History

The Oizai, Omari's first inhabitants, were always grateful for the food they had on the islands. They weren't too big on farming and simply nurtured and cultivated already existing plant life. This festival popped up several years after the "boarders" were opened to other species to come live and share the island with the Oizai. Naturally farming increased and the Oizai encouraged them to give thanks to the deities for their bountiful gifts while hoping for continuing prosperous years. It started off as a single day, the last day of Autumn, and several years later it turned into a week long festival that people of all ages could enjoy.

Components and tools

Cooked dishes and baked goods are shared among everyone; small portions are used as offerings to related deities. People place these either at the alters in their respective shrines or on decorated plates on their own alters at home. Some cities have a special large pot just for this occasion where citizens offer ingredients to be used in a community made soup/stew that is shared on the final day.

Participants

Everyone in Omari attends, especially food lovers. Farmers and people involved in food related jobs head the festival and gather yearly to plan the festivities.

Observance

It always occurs in the last week of Autumn from morning on the first day until midnight of the last day.