Culture of Delvera

The Culture of the Grand Republic of Delvera is primarily Western in origin, drawing predominantly from that of the United States, though elements of alternate origin are present as well. The early provincial cultures of Lavrasia and Altaria, ultimately that of Neosho, and thus the collective culture of the Grand Republic, were heavily influenced by that of NottaLotta Acres. For the first two years of the Grand Republic’s existence, culture developed largely as a side effect of other activities. In early 2015, First Consul David Sarkozy enacted a series of plans to enrich and promote Delveran culture, culminating in the creation of the Delveric Heritage Festival.

Regional Differences
As there is no national standard for any elements of culture, many differences are present between the various regions of the Grand Republic. The government encourages this in order to promote diversity and regional identity.

Language
The official language of Delvera is English. German and Mandarin Chinese are recognized languages, due to the fact that several Delveran citizens study and speak these tongues. They are not used in any official proceedings, but efforts have been made to expand their use, such as translating signs and informational texts. The languages of the Grand Republic are honored every year during the Delveric Heritage Festival.

Literature
Several citizens of the Delvera are amateur poets and authors, occasionally creating works of literature for their own amusement. These creations are shared and celebrated every year during the Delveric Heritage Festival.

Fine Arts
Many Delverans are students of art, drama, and music. Several citizens of the Grand Republic are skilled at singing, drawing, acting, painting, and songwriting, among other disciplines. Such individuals are encouraged to demonstrate their talents every year during the Delveric Heritage Festival. An example of the artistic ability of a Delveran citizen can be found in "Oh, Fatherland", Delvera's national anthem.

Education
The government of the Grand Republic holds little control over the education of its citizens, and there are no laws regarding this subject at the national level. Various proposals have been heard and developed to create a military academy for the purpose of educating officers and NCOs in the Province of Lavrasia, but without result thus far. No public institutions of higher learning have yet been established.

Religion
Though Delvera has no official religion, most of its citizens identify as Christian. Delveric Christians are predominantly Protestant, but there is also a significant Roman Catholic minority.

Folklore
Besides regional and ethnic legends, Delvera has its own folk stories in the form of “accounts” of the Salanian Faux Conflicts. These tales are honored with retellings and performances every year during the Delveric Heritage Festival.

National Holidays
The national holidays of the Grand Republic are divided into two categories: official and recognized. This designation is largely used to distinguish micronational and macronational holidays. Both sets are observed by citizens and the government.

Official January 8 – Emperor Norton Day March 24 – Armed Forces Day May 29 – Independence Day July 8-15 – Delveric Heritage Festival September 21 – International Day of Peace October 14 – Kingdom of Callaway Day October 24 – Patriotism Day

Recognized January 1 – New Years’ Day February 14 – Valentine’s Day March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day March-May (various) – Easter May (various) – Mothers’ Day June (various) – Fathers’ Day October 31 – Halloween November (various) – Thanksgiving December 25 – Christmas

Fashion and Dress
Though most Delveric people commonly adhere to various contemporary fashions, many citizens have an unusual affinity for formal wear. Several also tend to prefer older styles that macronational observers may find peculiar.

Gaming
Gaming in all of its forms is an important aspect of culture in the Grand Republic. Particularly significant are the Call of Duty and Halo console games and the Minecraft and RuneScape PC games. Nationally sponsored teams in all of these games either exist or are in the development stages. Magic: The Gathering is the official card game of the Grand Republic. The nation hosts two teams which regularly participate in sanctioned tournaments. The gaming aspect of Delveric culture is celebrated every year during the Delveric Heritage Festival.

Cuisine
The diet of the Delveric people consists primarily of dishes of western origin, mostly from American, Italian, and Mexican sources. However, there is a considerable East Asian influence on some meal choices. The national drink of the Grand Republic is made from the root of chicory, a common local plant. It is a hot beverage that was used by Confederate soldiers in the American Civil War as a substitute for coffee. It has a unique, bitter taste, and is often consumed with sugar. The national cuisine is celebrated every year during the Delveric Heritage Festival.

Ethnic Heritage
The majority of Delveran citizens are of German and English descent, though many claim ancestral lines from most of the nations of western and central Europe. The bloodlines of several Delverans also trace to various Native American tribes, predominately Cherokee.

Volunteerism
Participation in volunteer activities is a popular practice of many Delverans. Several prominent citizens have taken part in the Boy Scouts of America, as well as church and community sponsored events such as litter clean-ups and food collections for the poor and homeless.

Military Culture
Perhaps the most significant part of early Delveric culture was the military. Most citizens of the Grand Republic today are associated with it in some way, and it was used as the primary recruitment platform for citizens until 2015. Delveran High Command has worked extensively to develop a military tradition involving unique ceremonies and practices among its service members, with limited success. The military can be credited with improving national infrastructure and organization, adding new citizens and territory, creating publicity through the distribution of films and photographs, and introducing the Mando'a language to the nation.

Influence
Though the influence of Delveric culture was severely limited due to lack of international promotion and awareness prior to 2015, it nevertheless managed to inspire a few younger micronations to arise and grow, most notably the Kingdom of New Germany.