Siktàs

Siktàs is a traditional communal storytelling festival originating in the fictional region of Nirelia. The term comes from the Nirean language and is commonly translated as 'to recall together.' The festival centers on the collective preservation of local legends, genealogies, and historical events through spoken word, song, and performance.

Historically, siktàs emerged in rural villages during harvest celebrations as a way to secure social memory and reinforce community ties. Oral histories describe a practice lasting several days and involving elders mentoring younger storytellers. In the 20th century, urbanization and schooling altered formats, but communities have revived siktàs as a cultural staple.

Practices vary by locality but share core elements. Events take place in public spaces or village halls, with narrators presenting myths, heroic cycles, or genealogies, often accompanied by percussion, chant, and call-and-response refrains. Audiences participate by offering details, asking questions, or joining in refrains, aiding in the evolution of the tale while maintaining its core motifs. Narratives typically explore migration, kinship, moral principles, and communal justice. Some versions are translated for wider audiences, while others remain transmitted only in the original dialects.

Cultural significance and modern developments: Siktàs serves as a vehicle for intergenerational learning, language preservation, and communal identity. In recent years, communities have integrated audio archives and school programs to strengthen transmission. Scholars regard siktàs as an example of living intangible heritage and study its role in shaping collective memory.