The Festival of Colour is an annual celebration that takes place in the Free City of Tyrosh, typically during the ninth moon of the year. It runs for two weeks, and is intended to celebrate the dyes that first made Tyrosh rich.
History[]
First celebrated in 133AC by the Archon Irrio Hartys, the Festival of Colour has changed over the years. It was first celebrated by just the nobility, who would hold a great feast within the Archon's Palace, feasting on foods dyed in brilliant vibrancy, from red breads to green quail eggs. Such was a show of such brazen wealth that it has largely fallen out of favour with the rich of the city over the years, but it still persists to some extent.
Whilst the House Hartys has faded into obscurity, the festival persists, but is very different from what was once created by Archon Irrio. The celebrations now last seven days, and involve most of the free residents of the city.
Format[]
For the duration of the festival, those taking part are encouraged to wear bright colours or dye their high vibrant colours - something most often achieved by the less well-off members of the city via use of boiled onion skins to produce vibrant yellow tunics. The more wealthy will traditionally show it off via use of purple and blue dyes, both of which associated with significantly expense.
Throughout the week, the common and market districts of the city are transformed by an army of merchants selling brightly coloured trinkets and food, seeking to make a fortune from the visitors that influx into the city to enjoy the festivities. At the Fountain of the Drunken God, a great stage is constructed and decorated with streamers of fabric, and musicians and mummers perform throughout the day and night.
Most of the nobility will celebrate the Festival in their own way within their manses in the Golden District, but often will visit the stage at the Fountain too, where they can enjoy the entertainment in their own private area of the plaza, surrounded by a wall of guards that separate them from the common rabble.