The Purification Festival of Blood and Soul

Overview

Generally referred to as "Blood and Soul Night" or more commonly known as "Blood Night Festival". One night a year the moon passes very close to the planet and on this night it is always the only visible celestial body in the night sky. The moon gives the night a strange and unnatural seeming red glow to everything. People always felt this was a bad omen and it was very bad luck to be out alone at night when the only moon you could see was Algara. On this night in particular it was believed the border between underworld and the world of the living was weak and that demons and spirits could cross over through the blood red moon.
Once a day of solemn religious import, it is now one of the most looked forward to dates on the Vreabian calendar. It is an excuse for people to dress up, see friends, eat, drink and stay up all night. The day after is also considered a free day from work which is very welcome.

History

Originally the festival was a way to scare of demons and bad spirits from crossing over through Algara. Traditionally people would stay up all night chanting holy mantras, banging drums and gongs, and ring bells. The believed this would deter the evil from coming across and keep their settlements safe.
It has changed over time to now be a large festival with merchants stalls and a large feast. Arcane fireworks displays, blue glowing lanterns, loud music from local performers are all staples. Banging of drums and ringing of bells is still a part of the festivities but there is rarely any religious observance through chanting except at the beginning of the night and the end when the sun is seen coming up.

Refreshments

Mooncakes and Celestial Brew are considered the main foodstuffs to be consumed at the festival.
Moon-Cakes were originally stodgy buns that were filled with savoury mincemeat and vegetables to sustain the participants all night in their energetic efforts to scare the evil away. Now it is often a sweet bun made in the image of the moon Algara. A sweet red bun lies at the center of a plain dough shell that is cracked. It is often filled with sweet fillings.
Celestial Brew was first a simple mushroom tea made in large cauldrens and was a known stimulant. It was used to help the particpants manage to stay awake and alert all through the night. Since then it has been altered to be fermented and served cold in bottles brewed before hand with added spices. Combining a stimulant, and an alchohol. Tastes significantly better as well.