Haldades

Haldades is a term used in the fictional culture of the Arantis archipelago to denote communal storytelling performances that blend chant, percussion, and dance. The word is believed to derive from the local tongue's elements meaning "to gather memory." The practice centers on gatherings in village squares or temple courtyards, typically during seasonal cycles or festival weeks.

Performers range from elders to youth; participation is often passed down orally, though some communities maintain a written repertoire.

Historically, haldades emerged in the early modern era as a way to preserve oral histories during population displacements. They evolved with trade networks, adopting new instruments like the tintrumpet and frame drum, leading to regional variants that emphasize different rhythmic patterns.

Cultural significance: haldades are considered an expression of communal identity and memory. They function as education, entertainment, and social negotiation spaces. Scholars differentiate between "core" haldades, which retain ancient motifs, and "variant" haldades, which incorporate contemporary events.

In modern times, haldades face challenges from urbanization and digital media, but revival initiatives and festivals have helped preserve practice, sometimes adapting to concerts or school curricula.