Eclipse on the Summer Solstice
Solar, the great star that provides Nora with it's light and heat, is eclipsed by the moon twice yearly during the Summer and Winter Solstices. The full eclipse is only viewable in a short radius that never changes on the surface. On the Winter Solstice the eclipse takes full effect in Heiwashima in Tennotani, while on the Summer Solstice it can be observed from Bakison in Nioyaathep. While the people of Heiwashima view the eclipse as a time of peace and self-reflection, the citizens of Bakison see it as the ultimate festival of the summer months.
Stirna, creator of the stars and the core of Nora, is loved and worshipped immensely in Nioyaathep. Not only for being a Primordial creator, but also for being the father of Sturn, the most beloved deity in the nation. Solar is what Stirna had regarded as his greatest creation out of all of the celestial bodies. When the moon, meant to be Nora's heart, eclipses it on the Solstice, they believe that Nora's heart is now in tune with Stirna's, and it is a cause for celebration.
The Festival
Due to the eclipse occurring on the solstice every year, all of the citizens of Bakison will prepare for weeks, if not months in anticipation. The first few hours leading up to the event are simply a shopping spree. Vendors at every stall will be grabbing everyone they can, advertising various foods, drinks, and the highly demanded shadeglass; a small pane of glass similar to that of a hand mirror, tinted to allow viewership of the eclipse without harming one's eyes.
Once the moon takes it's place, the real festival begins. The streets are cleared and all crowds are moved to designated spots for viewing the parade. Many groups will come together after getting approved to join the parade to construct large floats and figure props to run down the streets of Bakison. Figures of Sturn, Minest, Mortair, and other important figures in the Dahlen pantheon and history will be commonplace. The centerpiece of the parade is a prop of Stirna, several meters long and growing every year it is put together. The head and spine of the celestial dragon are held aloft with long poles which dance up and down to simulate his swim amongst the stars. The parade ends when the figure of Stirna ascends the steps of the great temple before being launched through the roof and incinerated with a magickal shower of bright sparks and colors.
Afterwards, the festival turns to heavy drinking and merriment while the eclipse comes to an end. Some of the fountains in the center of the city will be blocked off and converted to spewing beer instead of water. To not drink into absolute excess is what some will consider a disfavor to Stirna and his love for Nora and his children. It is extremely common for the next day to be considered another holiday for the citizens of Bakison; though instead of for celebration, it is for recuperation as many citizens will have been utterly thrashed to the point of not showing for work the next day. Some of which will be found that morning or late into the afternoon still out in the city streets, sleeping off their stupor from the previous night.
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