Mealshare

Sharing a meal with friends, family, or community members is a vital tradition in nearly all Pojaka cultures.
The archipelago is home to many nations, many peoples, and many cultures that have grown, intermingled, and diverged over the centuries. The practice of mealshares is one of the only traditions that spans almost every family in every town as something important.
From the belief that "food is love" to the somber duty of sharing food with less fortunate neighbors, mealshares bring a community together. Holidays, rites of passages, personal and public celebrations all feature some version of sharing food--sometimes only drinks, sometimes only sweets, but always something open to all.
Regardless of culture, most people would be surprised and/or disappointed if a gathering, event, or celebration did not include a communal meal of some sort. This goes beyond the practicality of "this is a long event, people will grow hungry, you must feed them unless you want them to leave before the event ends" and "if nothing else, give thanks to people for their company and their help with food and drink." Mealshares establish community, establish equality, and make sure no one is left alone and hungry.
The type of mealshare for common events does differ, however, across the nations. In Kulmaa, events of grief feature warm and hearty meals for the grieving; in Kznia, similar events feature small, individual portions of some common food that can be eaten even when one is upset. Public festivals in Pomelia feature dozens of types of wine, champagne, and often mead; public festivals in Capria rarely include alcoholic beverages. In Moufeurein, a family celebration (like a rite of passage or marriage) is cause for any and every type of food and drink to be shared; in Masalok, the person(s) at the heart of the celebration chooses their favorite meal or treat, and not much else is offered.