Delveran Heritage Festival

The Delveran Heritage Festival (formerly Delveric) or DHF is an annual celebration of the history, traditions, and cultural aspects of the Grand Republic of Delvera, as well as an expression of citizens' hopes for the future. It was created on June 9, 2015 by Consul Jordan Brizendine in the I Consular Decree. The festival is intended to share existing aspects of culture with all Delveran citizens, as well as promote the further expansion and development of these qualities. The celebration is held on the second weekend of July.

History
Brizendine conceived the idea during his year-long exchange study in China, after observing the long celebrations typical of Chinese holidays. He desired to create a holiday based solely around culture, seeing this as a weak point in the Grand Republic. The eight day period from July 8 to July 15 was initially chosen because of the significance of these dates in Delveran history. To allow citizens to celebrate together, the festival was moved to the second weekend in July in 2018. In its original form, the festivities began on July 8, known as Salania Day. It was on this date in 2008 that the first Republic of Salania was founded, beginning the tradition of micronationalism in the area that would later become Lavrasia and the Protectorate. In honor of this heritage, the Salanian flag was raised, after which it remained up for exactly three days, signifying the three incarnations of Salania. A parade was also scheduled for this day in the capital city. July 9 - 14 were a series of holidays focusing on specific aspects of Delveric culture. National Folklore Day was a celebration of national and traditional folk stories. National Cuisine Day provided for a national banquet showcasing traditional foods. National Symbols Day, held on the date that the Holy Salanian Empire was founded, was celebrated by the lowering of the Salanian flag and the creation or dedication of a national symbol. National Arts Day called for a national arts and crafts exposition and a music or drama performance. National Gaming Day was celebrated by an interprovincial card and video game tournament. National Language Day provided for exhibition of compositions authored by Delveran citizens and the proliferation of an official or recognized language. The celebration drew to a close on July 15, Commonwealth Day. This day in 2011 saw the end of Salania and the establishment of the Commonwealth of Lavrasia, a NottaLottan client state and the direct predecessor to the Grand Republic of Delvera. The day was marked by a changing of the guard ceremony, symbolizing the transition from the old nations to the new, as well as a fireworks display in the capital city. The first Delveric Heritage Festival was celebrated online in 2015. In 2018, the name was changed to Delveran Heritage Festival to eliminate the superfluous and potentially confusing second demonym. The festival was also streamlined to a two day schedule. DHF has been a centrally organized physical event held in alternating locations around the nation since 2018.

Celebration
According to the VII Consular Decree, issued by Consul Dylan Callahan on 19 June 2018, the festival should incorporate "flags, music, patriotic displays, games, feasting, and all manner of good-natured celebration, as well as reflection on our history and a focus on our future." It is also mandated that the annual consular election be held from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM DST on the first day, with the results announced at 9:00 AM on the second day and inaugurations to be held thereafter. Thus, the festival was also a celebration of the Delveran political system. After the suspension of the Delveran government following the union with Karnia-Ruthenia in 2021, this part of the festival was no longer relevant. DHF regularly incorporates a flag raising ceremony, speeches by candidates and distinguished guests, barbecue meals, gaming sessions and competitions hosted by the 4th Legion Gaming League, table displays and presentations by Delveran vendors, cultural displays, and exploration and tours of the area where the festival is being held.

DHF 2015
Location: Online Dates: 8-15 July 2015 DHF 2015 was held online.

DHF 2016
Location: Online Dates: 8-15 July 2016 DHF 2016 was held online. The festival included an in-person Magic the Gathering tournament in Colo.

DHF 2017
Location: Online Dates: 8-15 July 2017 DHF 2017 was held online.

DHF 2018
Location: Neosho Rapids, KS/Allen, KS Dates: 14-15 July 2018 Hosting Province: Neosho DHF 2018 was held in Neosho. It was the first DHF to be centrally organized and physically held with citizens from multiple provinces attending. The festival included the first Delveran flag raising ceremony, a walking tour of Neosho Rapids, and a board gaming session.

DHF 2019
Location: Springfield, MO Dates: 12-14 July 2019 Hosting Province: Wilson Hills DHF 2019 was held in Wilson Hills and Ritter Springs Park in Springfield, MO. The festival included a walking tour of the park, a cave exploration, a Magic the Gathering tournament, and multiple dining out trips to local restaurants.

DHF 2020
Location: Clarksbourg, MO Dates: 11-12 July 2020 Hosting Province: Ozarkana DHF 2020 was held in the capital city of Delvera, Clarksbourg. The festival included a shooting competition, a presentation and driving tour by Clarksbourg 2050 explaining the vision for the capital in 30 years, and an ice cream social.

DHF 2021
Location: Admire, KS Dates: 10-11 July 2021 Hosting Province: Ozarkana DHF 2021 was held in Admire, KS.

DHF 2022
Location: Cancelled Dates: 9-10 July 2022 DHF 2022 was cancelled due to the inability of several Delverans to attend.

DHF 2023
Location: Admire, KS Dates: 8-9 July 2023 Hosting Province: Neosho DHF 2023 will be held in Admire, KS.

In media
The festival was mentioned by Oscar I as one of the most important holidays in Karnia-Ruthenia, and said he was very proud of Delverans to have created this event.