Festival of Prosperity

While the time of Summer Solstice ordinarily brings communities together through the planting of new crops, recent industrialisation has seen this tradition fade in the more modern parts of Isturoth. In additional to normal feasts and festivals surrounding the beginning of Summer, a new "Festival of Prosperity" has gradually made its way into the modernised parts of the kingdom.
This is a more laid-back and sophisticated celebration, commemorating the affluence afforded to the upper echelons of Isturoth, often through performance and art.

History

Certainly brought about by industrialisation, the Prosperity Festival has arisen from a burgeoning upper class that no longer need to trouble themselves with yearly crop planting and harvesting. The festivities originally reserved for solstice celebrations have pivoted to suit the emerging culture of art and creativity. Those who can rest on their laurels instead see fit to bring in the Summer in their own way: by writing, painting, embroidering, performing, sculpting or otherwise creating works of art to be appreciated by their peers.

Observance

The celebration of prosperity through art can take many forms, particularly in the cultural revolution taking place. As long as it was done in the spirit of success and accomplishment, nearly anything could have been used to express oneself for the festival. Acts of creativity included:

• Painting artworks on vellum or stone walls
• Creating tapestries on a loom or participating in embroidery
• Writing and performing ballads and songs
• Sculpting from blocks of stone
• Smithing art pieces from metal
• Acting out famous plays or dances
• And many more...

These acts and festivities will continue for two full weeks, until Summer has officially set in. The period of time following the Festival of Prosperity is considered to be a time of reflection and appreciation for what the festival has produced.