Thunder Dueling Festival

Summer is the rainy season in the Demon Realm, and the storms have given rise to a tradition to honor Sciekles, the Goddess of War, and her mother Carmesso, Goddess of Storms - a music festival known as Thunder Dueling.

History

Thunder Deuling has been occurring for longer than anyone knows, but the first formal festival was held in Naengaquena during the reign of the sixth Ascended Demon King.  
Prior to the formal festival, Thunder Dueling simply referred to the practice of throat singers, drummers, and bagpipers attempting to outperform thunder as it rolled through the sky - sometimes in small groups, and sometimes as individuals. The songs often sang the praises of Carmesso, in hopes that her rains would be merciful rather than devastating - though others sang praise to Sciekles, as her secondary domain is music, and none wanted war during a storm. It was thought that singing to both goddesses could ward off the ire of either - and hopefully put them in a good mood as well. 
The first Thunder Dueling Festival combined many musicians into an orchestra, lifting their voices and instruments in song as one to clearly praise the goddesses. The tradition caught on with the other cities, and each has slightly different traditions - but a large group performance is always used to close out the festival.

Execution

A general series of events occur at every festival - the nearest priesthoods dedicated to Carmesso and Sciekles arrive to prepare festival grounds roughly a month prior to the rainy season. They are often joined and assisted by merchants setting up temporary carts or booths, as those from smaller settlements often join in the city festival, as well as other visitors. 
Once a date is set, the festival runs for a week - various small performances and duels between ensembles are set during that time, with dancers often joining in the performances. As Sciekles is primarily the goddess of war, competition is seen as another way to honor her. 
On the final day, there is the full orchestra performance overseen by the ruler of the city and usually attended by other important figures to show their support to the goddesses. Many will dance in the rain to the performance as their own form of offering, rejoicing in the blessings the rains bring. 
After the performance is a grand feast in the goddess' honor - it's considered good luck if the rains clear for the feast. If they do not, a second performance is often held to attempt to appease any mistakes the goddess' took offense to.

Components and tools

Permanent festival grounds have installed raised stages and slats for managing muddy grounds, as well as a large amphitheater for the final performance. While the latter has a permanent veranda-style roof, the smaller stages are usually only covered during the event with collapsible rooves made of metal rods and fish leather tarps. Longer versions of such tarps are often employed over the permanent walkways to keep festival goers as dry as possible. 
A statue of the goddesses is also in place - Carmesso is usually depicted in silver, as demon blacksmiths are unable to render her true metal of quicksilver into solid form; while Sciekles is rendered in iron. Notably, the statue of Carmesso in Naengaquena is a painstakingly crafted glass statue with quicksilver poured into the hollow base. Carmesso is usually rendered playing her bagpipes, while Sciekles is rendered in the midst of singing. 
Southeastern cities often include Cegae, Sciekles's father, rendered in volcanic rock playing the large standing drums along with the pair. This is due to the volcano he rules over being in the region. His priesthood is often called upon for the festival for their drummers as well, though traditionally the festival is only to honor the two goddesses.

Participants

A High Priest of both Carmesso and Sciekles work together to run the ceremonial aspects of the festival, with Sciekles's clergy making up most of the choir and Carmesso's clergy making up a large portion of bagpipers. 
Local leadership attend at least the final day of the festival to show their piety and respect to the goddesses, and are responsible for providing the post-performance feast.

Observance

The Festival is usually held a week or two after the first heavy rain signaling the start of summer, to ask for Carmesso's gentle rains early in the season.

Primary Related Location

Demon Realm