In Gevadun, there are 12 months, each consisting of 4 weeks. The week lasts seven days, and a day lasts 24 hours. The current calendar is called the Dawn Calendar, named after its creator, Constila Dawn. In addition to keeping track of the past eras, the Dawn Calendar is essential for keeping track of the dates of the current era (C.E.).
Incineracion is a holiday celebrated in every realm, except for the Ash Cleft, on the 18th of Icy Hearth. The holiday is designed to bring people together during the cold winter months. It originated as a tribal tradition in Felder but has since gained popularity in other realms. In The Ash Cleft, Incineracion is not celebrated due to the naturally hot conditions and the holiday's tribal and heathenistic origins. Common ways to celebrate include exchanging baked goods and hosting large bonfires. Many settlements organize wood-chopping competitions, allowing people to gather and enjoy the festivities.
The Dreg Games:
The Dreg Games are an annual event held on the 9th of Frost Moon in The Ash Cleft. This event features a series of competitions where Dregs compete against one another in various athletic challenges. Events include races and lifting competitions, but the gladiatorial bouts tend to be the most popular among spectators. The Dreg Games are controversial due to ethical concerns surrounding the participation of Dregs in these competitions. Despite the objections from abolitionists and those who oppose the event, the Dreg Games continue to be commercially successful, even as they raise moral questions. The Dreg crowned champion of an event is granted his or her freedom.
Strongbow:
Strongbow is a Dwarven holiday celebrated on the last day of Frost Moon in the great Dwarven strongholds. Despite their stony demeanor and tendency to live underground, Dwarves have a profound respect for nature. This holiday marks the beginning of the spring season, and participants make various offerings to the divine in the hope of ensuring a bountiful spring. Activities during Strongbow include feasting, drinking, making divine offerings, and pledging to embark on great adventures.
Raimethon:
Raimethon is observed on the 19th of Twist Sprig. Although officially celebrated only in The Shattered Peaks, every Dragonborn honors the day, regardless of location. Raimethon is not a day of celebration but rather a time for somber remembrance. The observance of Raimethon began shortly after Raimeth passed away from his injuries. On this day, Dragonborn engage in activities such as praying, quiet reflection, and reading histories, epics, and poems related to their culture.
Augerion:
Augerion is an annual convention that is celebrated as a holiday for wizards and mages. It typically occurs on the 2nd of Mid Spring, although it may be postponed if circumstances make it impractical to hold the event. Each year, Augerion takes place in a different location, often hosted by Erudition, a stable pocket realm connected to Sindare. Thousands of magical practitioners attend Augerion for lectures, commerce, wizardly competitions, and scholarly camaraderie. Vendors offer a variety of goods, food, and magical services, and the convention lasts for three days.
Tidedrift Cooking Festival:
The Tidedrift Cooking Festival is held annually in Bail on the last day of Mid Spring. This festival is the largest culinary event in all of Gevadun, attracting renowned chefs and ordinary people alike who come to Tidedrift to savor delicious food. The event features cooking competitions, chef demonstrations, and street vendors selling a variety of dishes. People gather to enjoy the food, and the joy of sharing a meal on a warm Mid Spring evening draws many visitors from across the realms.
Divinitas:
Divinitas is a sacred holiday celebrated on the 25th of Sunpoint in every realm. It honors The Pantheon of the Nine. For some, it is a day of joyful celebration, while others prefer to spend it in quiet reflection on the past year. Temples throughout Gevadun are decorated for the occasion, and many people gather there to partake in the festivities. The holiday is especially popular in The Ash Cleft, where the most elaborate celebrations occur.
Olock Festival:
On the first day of High Summer, the Olock Festival is celebrated in Western Felder. Orks almost exclusively observe this festival, although other races are welcome to join the festivities by bringing a tithe. Typical celebrations include feasting and fighting. Although the Olock Festival is a violent event, for the Orks who revere the old gods, it is a sacred occasion that deserves respect and dignity.
The Great Hunt:
The Great Hunt is held in Felder from the 24th of Fallsberth and lasts five days. While it is sometimes observed on other dates, it always takes place during the last week of Fallsberth. This event serves as a coming-of-age ceremony for young Orks. Goliaths have also started to cross the Galestorm and participate in this tradition in recent years. During the ceremony, participants are divided into groups and guided by experienced hunters into the wilderness, where they will stalk and slay various beasts. At the end of the five days, those who have impressed their guides will be recognized as full adults.
Dance of the Dead:
The Dance of the Dead takes place on the last day of Harvest in all realms except for Felder. This celebration is dedicated to remembering those who have passed away and honoring Strain, the god of death and shepherd of lost souls. Activities for the Dance of the Dead include visiting graveyards and attending sermons. A communal dance is also held, with communities across Gevadun organizing balls in celebration. The holiday is especially popular among the youth, who enjoy staying up late and galavanting with each other into the cool, misty night.
Harvest Festival:
The Harvest Festival takes place on the 19th of Lights End and is celebrated in Bail, Sindare, and Phoenix. This festival marks the final crop harvest before winter arrives, serving as a time for reflection and peace. It includes banquets and parties, allowing people to gather one last time before the cold weather sets in. While Phoenix does not experience a harsh winter, the holidays are often commercial events that generate profit. As a result, the two trading empires operating in Phoenix eagerly embrace the opportunity to host this lucrative celebration.
Berk's Day:
Berk's Day takes place on the 25th of Snowdrift and occurs every year without exception. Berk the Merry eagerly waits all year to saddle up in his sleigh with his four flying oxen and journey across the realm of Gevadun. He delivers gifts to everyone, regardless of their social status or personal struggles. Berk's actions have even inspired others to start exchanging gifts on Berk's Day as a way to spread love in a world that can often be hateful.
New Year's Eve:
On the final day of the Dawn Calendar, everyone in Gevadun celebrates New Year's Eve. It is a time for preparing for the upcoming year and making resolutions and promises. People gather together, stay up until midnight, and enjoy drinks, parties, and festivities.
