Upon my reinstatement of Minister of Cultural Affairs within Ashtan,
I've been pondering new and unique ideas to use to spice up the trials
of everyday life and insted happened to stumble upon an old one. So
Sapience I would like to present to you, the ancient Jester holiday of
Mardi Gras!

Although I intend to later fully describe the history of this event, for
now I will provide for you just a brief summary.

Carnival traditions, though untold in the histories, started at the
discovery of Selucar in celebration of the wonderous event. They were
popular in these times after to not only celebrate the event, but also
lift the otherwise downtrodden spirits of everyday life. However,
shortly after the passing of Nicator, the more puritanical of the
citizens began to shun Carnival, while the more lighthearted of the
society continued to celebrate it, although the celebration did begin to
slowly die as the wars approached closer and the coming of the Black
Wave did not help matters and it seemed that Carnival traditions were to
die out altogether. Past the Aftermath of the Fall of the Selcurian
Empire little memory if any remained and it seemed extinguished forever
if not for a unique happenstance which brought my dear friend and
mentor, Silvestri Carnivalis to this time.

During my many meditations with Silvestri, he often reflected back upon
these events as he was the King of the Carnival and it was he himself
that chose the three official colours of Mardi Gras. Purple, Green and
Gold. Purple to stand for Justice, Green to stand for Faith and Gold to
stand for Power. He told me of the great parades, the Masquerade Balls
and general Revelry and Merriment!

Please be aware that as this event is being planned by the Ashtan
Ministry of Cultural Affairs that many events will take place within
Ashtan. For those who are enemied, you are still encouraged to create
your own Mardi-Gras Societies through the Cultural Affairs departments
within your own city as so not to be left out.

Events will last the entire month of Miraman and will include:

The First Deca-Annual Masquerade Ball! (get your costumes and masks!)

The Mardi Gras Parade, starting at North of Thera and following along
the Prelatorian Highway all the way through Delos. Cities are invited to
organize thier own Mardi Gras Societies and have thier own parade routes
through thier respective cities, but due to security issues and enemy
statues, the offical Main Parade will not journey into any Large Urban
cities. During the parades, people are encouraged to ride and show off
your mounts as well as toss out cheap trinkets and or food items to any
onlookers lined up along the Parade Routes.

A Drinking Contest! (Better start working on that tolerance!)

A Dance Contest (choose your partner wisely!)

Of course there will be many parties, hopefully an Egg-Hunt, (I'm
praying I can convince a diety to host a quiz) and of course your
standard favourite games.

And the naming and crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen to reign
until the next Mardi Gras Season!

I hope to plan many other events with my staff to be announced later.

We in Ashtan hope this holiday will be well received and Let the Good
Times Roll!

Llewellyn Mercadia

Penned by my hand on the 7th of Miraman, in the year 330 AF.