Golden Week

Golden Week, also known as Aeru or the Banquet of the Summer Gods, is an exuberant celebration in the Daeva Empire that symbolizes both the empire’s illustrious history and its indulgent modern spirit. It takes place during the first eight days of Hari, the inaugural month of summer. The week-long holiday is a spectacle of almost round-the-clock partying and debauchery, reflecting the spirit of its patron deities: Naharima, the goddess of Fertility, Love, Desire, and Debauchery; Alea, the goddess of Strife, Destruction, and Fear; and Azriaan, the god of Dreams, Sleep, and Nightmares.
During Golden Week, society turns its norms on their head and pushes the boundaries of pleasure and indulgence to their limits. Citizens let go of their inhibitions, embracing the chaos and beauty of life in its rawest form under the watchful gaze of the summer gods.

Golden Week

Golden Week kicks off with grand ceremonies, encouraging citizens to explore their deepest desires, confront inner conflicts, and embrace the unknown. Throughout the empire, cities come alive with parades, feasts, and elaborate ceremonies, each more lavish than the last. A whirlwind of excitement and indulgence captivates citizens and visitors alike as they breathe in the music, laughter, and scents of exotic foods.

Founding Day: A National Celebration

On the second day of Golden Week, the entire empire comes together to celebrate Founding Day, commemorating the establishment of the Daeva Empire. This national holiday marks the pivotal moment when the founding rulers united the lands and laid the foundations for what would become one of the most influential empires in history. Across the empire, people take part in reenactments of historical events, attend lectures on the empire’s origins, and enjoy sky lanterns displays that light up the night sky. It’s a day that honors the past and instills a sense of pride and unity among all citizens.

StarRush: The Artistic Olympiad

Held during the third and fourth days of Golden Week, StarRush is a global competition that brings together artists, bands, and performers from across the world. This two-day event is a spectacular showcase of talent, with participants battling it out in various categories such as best soloist, best band, and best group performance. StarRush is hosted in a different country each year, with its Dome stadium attracting massive audiences. The event is free to attend, with tickets distributed through a lottery system to ensure wide accessibility. It also serves as a promotional platform for upcoming summer concerts, making it a highlight of the season for music and art lovers.

Citizen’s Day: A Tribute to the People

On the fifth day, Citizen’s Day celebrates the resilience and spirit of the Daeva Empire’s populace. Parades fill the streets as citizens from all walks of life gather to honor their shared heritage and achievements. Community-led events such as street fairs, talent shows, and historical reenactments provide opportunities for citizens to showcase their talents and engage with their cultural roots. It is a day of unity and pride, reminding everyone of the strength found in diversity and collaboration.

Dreamfire Festival: A Night of Enchantment

The Dreamfire Festival is held on the seventh day, offering a mystical experience that explores the inner fire of desire, the trials of conflict, and the inspiration of dreams. Activities include masked balls where participants don elaborate costumes to hide their identities, allowing for uninhibited exploration of fantasies. Fire dancing performances mesmerize audiences, and dreamscape art exhibits offer a surreal journey through imaginative worlds. Immersive theater performances blur the lines between reality and fiction, while nighttime labyrinth walks encourage introspection and self-discovery under the starlit sky.

Aeru Festival: The Banquet of the Summer Gods

Golden Week concludes on the eighth day with a grand finale, the Banquet of the Summer Gods, an extravagant feast and fireworks. Tables laden with sumptuous dishes stretch as far as the eye can see, while the sounds of music and laughter fill the air. People gather, celebrating the week’s events and the coming of summer with a fervor that knows no bounds.
Golden Week stands as a paradoxical celebration within the Daeva Empire, capturing the complexity of a society that thrives on both tradition and excess. While some view it as a period of moral decay, others see it as an essential outlet for creativity, self-expression, and communal bonding. Golden Week remains an integral part of the Daeva Empire’s cultural fabric, symbolizing its dynamic history and vibrant future.