Festival of Kaolu

Celebrated around the winter solstice, this festival starts on the 21st of Kaolu's month and ends on the 27th. It represents worship to the winter goddess Kaolu, The Cold One, as well as the transition between autumn and winter. Although the specific traditions vary loccally, there are general features. The main days of the even are The Festival, The Solstice, and The Night of Feasts.

The Festival

Celebrated on the 21st of Kaolu's Month, this event refers to the first day of the week long celebration. It is customary that people dress up in their finest clothings and go into the town to participate in carnivals, street performances and other events. During the day there is also public announcements on the town square constantly, whether to announce events, or to promote businesses, or campaigns.

History

The Festival, like many other traditions, was started by Prophet Jeremiah, and was determined as part of the Jaizel Calendar on its first edition, on the Day of Renewal 71 2E. At the time, The Prophet said: "This is a time to brace ourselves against darkness, and to ask Kaolu, The Cold One, to be merciful on us. To bring us moderated rains to nurture our fields, and to keep the blizzards and rages of winter away from us".

Execution

The festival starts on the 21st, officially. However, it also requires alignment with the solstice. On the 21st, the festival is celebrated in full force, with performers taking the streets, and announcements being made left and right. Many cities have their own events, and their own way to celebrate, but the main thing is preparation. People seek to prepare for the major events that come the next days. On the day of the solstice, the energy is different. This day is more solemn, specially at night. People gather to participate in rituals to drive off darkness, and to embrace the light. If the solstice falls on the 21st, the celebrations continue as usual until sunset, when the people immediately switch to their solstice traditions. If the solstice falls on the 20th, the festival starts on the sunset of the same day, while the day remains a normal non-festive day.