Bfertzés

Bfertzés is a traditional harvest festival celebrated in the fictional region of Bferia. It marks the end of the agricultural year and emphasizes communal renewal, gratitude for crops, and solidarity among farmers, artisans, and families. The festival is typically held on the first full moon after the autumn harvest, often in late October.

Its name is said to come from the Bferic word befertézni, meaning "to sow together" or "to plant collectively," reflecting the communal nature of the rites.

Historical records place the festival in medieval Bferian towns, where guilds and village councils organized harvest celebrations to ensure good yields. A revival in the 19th century broadened participation beyond farmsteads, and modern observance has integrated secular and cultural elements while retaining agrarian roots.

Core practices include a seed blessing performed by a local elder or priest, a communal feast with seasonal dishes, and a ceremony in which households exchange seed packets and small gifts. Dances around a central bonfire or a maypole, traditional songs, and crafts fairs accompany the evening program, while rural towns compete in informal harvest games and markets.

Today Bfertzés serves as a focal point for rural identity and regional tourism. Communities use the festival to promote sustainable farming, local produce, and crafts. Critics argue that modernization can erode its rituals, leading to commercialization, though most organizers emphasize preserving traditions while adapting to contemporary life.