The Eclipse Festivals

Eclipses 

An eclipse is where the moon moves in front of the sun. In the wheel, The Sun follows The Moon - this is why Eclipses in Taki Firma are so important.
Eclipses usually last about 24 hours. The Sun is barely visible for the whole period, blacked out by the moon. During these 24 hours, preparation for an Eclipse festival is all that will happen. 
Typically eclipses will happen once every 5 years, during the summer in hot periods. This can make Eclipses difficult for people in the Mining Villages - as they are used to the heat beating down on them, and when the heat suddenly disappears, this can make it difficult for the elderly, and many are sick during this time. 

The Festival

The Festival lasts for 72 hours. 48 hours of preparation, then 24 hours of the actual festival

Preparation

When people think of The Moon, typically they think about the representation of illusion, deception, lies. As opposed to The Sun which represents good fortune, happiness, joy and harmony. 
Because of this, all cultures within Taki Firma believe that during the dark period of an eclipse, you should only be with those that you trust the most. Immediate family, close relatives, life long friends. People you can trust to ensure nobody lies to you or lets you down. They believe that because The Moon is what is visible, it is most potent throughout the world, however for some reason do not feel the same way about The Sun when it is in its regular state, they believe it's just a regular part of The Wheel. 

The Party

At the end of the dark period, the real festival begins. People bring all of their food, drinks and magical displays in to the streets, and party together. Bards take to the street and are tipped generously throughout the day, and the local people of honour roam around and greet everyone, using pleasentries and making sure the people are happy, at the very least for the day that the festival is going on.