Date: 14th of Skandi
Significance: Brewfest is a highly anticipated holiday celebrated on the 14th of Skandi, dedicated to the art of brewing in all its forms. This day is cherished by many as it provides a delightful mix of merriment and revelry, but it also comes with its fair share of chaos. The holiday is a testament to the community's love for finely crafted ales, potent potions, and the skillful artisans who create them. While it is a source of many great and funny moments, Brewfest can also be a perfect recipe for disaster, with excessive drinking leading to brawls and subsequent unrest. Nonetheless, it is a day of great significance for brewers, herbalists, and alchemists who showcase their finest creations.
Traditions and Events:
- Beer and Potion Tasting: Throughout Brewfest, towns and cities host tasting events where brewers and alchemists present their latest concoctions. These events allow the community to sample a wide variety of beers, ales, and potions. Special tasting pavilions are set up in town squares, adorned with colorful banners and brewing insignias. Attendees receive tasting cups and tokens, enabling them to sample small portions of different brews and potions.
- Brewing Competitions: One of the highlights of Brewfest is the brewing competition, where participants vie for the title of Master Brewer or Grand Alchemist. Competitions are fierce, with categories for best ale, most potent potion, and most innovative brew. Judges are often renowned brewers or respected alchemists who evaluate entries based on taste, aroma, appearance, and creativity. Winners receive prestigious medals, prize money, and bragging rights for the year.
Tavern Games:
Taverns become the epicenters of entertainment during Brewfest, hosting a variety of games and contests. Popular games include:
- Mug Lifting: Contestants compete to see who can hold a heavy mug of ale at arm's length the longest.
- Dart Throwing: Traditional dart games, often with a twist, such as using blowpipes or enchanted darts.
- Drinking Relays: Teams compete in relay races, passing a mug of ale back and forth, often resulting in hilarious spills and tumbles.
- Potion Quizzes: Alchemists host quizzes where participants must identify potions by taste or effect, often leading to surprising (and sometimes comical) results.
Parades and Processions:
In many regions, Brewfest begins with a grand parade featuring floats decorated with brewing motifs, giant barrels, and cauldrons. Brewers and alchemists march in the procession, often accompanied by musicians and dancers. The parade route winds through the town, culminating in the central square where the main festivities take place.
Music and Performances:
Throughout the day and into the night, musicians perform lively tunes that keep the spirits high. Jugglers, fire-breathers, and street performers entertain the crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere. Many towns invite famous bards or troupes to perform special Brewfest ballads and comedic skits.
Feasts and Food Stalls:
Complementing the drinks, numerous food stalls line the streets offering a variety of hearty dishes. From roasted meats and savory pies to sweet pastries and spiced nuts, there is something to satisfy every appetite. Special Brewfest dishes, often made with beer or ale, are a must-try.
Safety Measures:
Given the propensity for excessive drinking and brawls, many towns implement special safety measures. Town guards are on high alert, and makeshift infirmaries are set up to handle any injuries. Some places also establish 'safe zones' where individuals can take a break from the festivities to sober up.