The Festival of Bells is a public celebration held in Argentum. It is a mobile holiday with no fixed date, declared by the Synod of the Silver Flame in late autumn or early winter, when the chill of the Sorrow is felt most. The Calendar of the Silver Flame sets five annual festivals between its months, and the Festival of Bells is declared on its own. The most recent one opened at four in the afternoon on 24 Coldrise, 1714 PSF.1
Observances
The festival celebrates life, and particularly the noise of life. Silver ribbons are strung between buildings and small bells are hung over every door, filling the air with constant rhythmic chiming meant to drown out the silence of the Sorrow. Festival grounds are set up in public squares, among them the Plaza of the Ascendant.
The Bell Hunt
Members of the Order of the Lantern hand out bells for the Bell Hunt, a game played through the streets by children and teenagers.1 Cassia Brightshield put Temerity and Iva on that duty for the 1714 festival.1
Festival Passes
A silver bell pass buys food and drink from the stalls. Hazel claimed six meat skewers and two turkey legs on hers.1
The 1714 Festival
The festival of 1714 PSF ended in disaster. The Everfire Lamp erupted in a geyser sixty feet high that evening, and the party pulled people from the debris, treated wounds and cleared burning buildings. Nobody died.1 Investigator Mave Dul took command of the scene afterwards.1 See Session 1.
History
Session 15
By 2 Nightdeep, 1714 PSF, the lava lamp that exploded at the festival had been repaired, and was glowing again over the square.2