Lunas Festival

The Snow-Malen have an interesting festival that marks the changing of their year. Whereas most would consider the spring to announce the coming of a new year, they consider the winter to be this herald in the lands of the dominion. Named after the largest of Mithra's three moons, the Snow-Malen take great pride in this festival.

Three days

The festival takes place over three days, with the last day being the last day of autumn, and subsequently, the year. The first day is all about the past. Plays and lecture-like speeches about historical events are given in most towns. Back when the Dominion was in shambles for example, there would be a whole play dedicated to how the Humans "betrayed" the malen. These days it is mostly about the fall of the old Dominion, and the events of 1558 3E. Furthermore, the dead will be remembered and celebrated, the most important events will be chronicled into the library of Ostaras, and many more events that have to do with history take place.
The second and third days are my personal favorite days. The second day is about the present. Merchants from all around the world come to cities and villages to sell their wares. Music can be heard throughout the day. Snow-Malen dance is also quite a big part of this day. The results of the previous ranger trial will also be announced, for the last trial is the next day. At noon, the people gather around their local Cyrhos tree, a small red-maple-leafed subspecies of the Cloud Oaks with a dark crimson resin. usually one of the most important malen of the village or city will lead in a prayerish song about The godess. With quite good-sounding instrumental music and a whole lot of voices, it can be quite nice to listen to. This is the official start of the second half of the festival, and after this, the whole city will be celebrating and the party will continue until deep in the night.
The last day is about the future. This day is traditionally the day when most business deals get made. The queen will announce anything important for next year, the last of the ranger trials is held, after which the recruits who will become rangers are named, and the sundials are calibrated. The whole day ends in feasting and partying, especially the moment the sun is under. This is known to the Snow-Malen as the intera. A moment where it's neither a day in the previous year nor in the next year. Generally considered to be one of the best moments during the festival, since you can basically do whatever you want, as long as it's not illegal of course, and get away with it. Sort of like that one saying "what happens during the intera, stays in the intera."