Akarus Day Celebrations 2017

Akarus Day is the national day of Akarus, taking place on May 16th of each year. The day takes place on the anniversary of the Battle of Meddeo in 914, which is commonly held as the day of the unification of Akarus.

According to popular legend in the Battle of Meddeo the outnumbere forces of the future King Frethirik I (commonly modernized to "Frederick") battled his tyrannical father. During the battle Frederick dueled his father and slew in him in battle. In the aftermath of the battle many of the surviving petty kingdoms of Akarus pledged their fealty to Frederick, whom would be crowned as the first King of Akarus. Though its historical accuracy questionable the legend remains an integral part of Akarusian culture.

Among the highlights of the day of festivities is the royal celebration in Andropen. Its most famous event is a theatrical event of the Battle of Meddeo and its fateful duel, as well as Frederick's subsuquent coronation. The role of Frederick I is traditionally portrayed by a member of the royal family (themselves direct descendants of Frederick), often the heir to the throne. The "vows" of its coronation's scene have come to be seen by the nation as a vow to be a fair and just ruler should they ever ascend to the throne.

During the evening a royal banquet is held, lead by the reigning monarch. In addition to its Akarusian guests, diplomats and national leaders from around the world are invited to attend the event.

[Unless otherwise stated this and all subsequent posts take place on May 16th, 2017]

Celebrations have begun across the nation in celebration of Akarus Day. Thousands of events are taking place across Akarus celebrating the nation, its history and its culture. As usual the main events are taking place in Andropen where King Charles IV will be leading the new traditional royal celebrations. The official celebrations begin with a public address by the King from the Palace.

Interested has peaked this year in the "Birth of Akarus" performance after the royal family announced the role of King Frederick I would be played Princess Adelaide, King Charles' second child. The unexpected announcement has caused a stir, and will mark the first time in the nation's history that the role has been played by a female member of the royal family.

National leaders from across the world have arrived to attend the festivies. Top guests include the First Knight Archibald Geskin of Fydoria, Chief Sydin Enci of Varenil, and Archon Jaina Jessero of Parthenopias

King Charles opened the day with his royal address, which focused on Akarusian unity in the face of growing unrest abroad and in the country.

The speech was followed by a ceremonial drilling exercise by the King's Guard in the Palace.

The afternoon culminated in the traditional performance of  "The Birth of Akarus", a four-act play portraying the rise of King Frederick I. The first acts portray Frederick's banishment from his father's kingdom and subsequent rise to power in one of its rival states. The play's third act tells the legend of the Battle of Meddeo and the fateful duel between Frederick and his father. Victorious in battle, the final act portrays Frederick's coronation as the first King of Akarus. Despite criticism from traditionalist from the choice to cast the Princess Adelaide as the King, the Princess exceeded expectation and her performance was met by cheers from the excited crowds. The move has been heralded as a step in gender equality, with polls showing a boost in the popularity of the monarchy for the decision.

With the afternoon festivities coming to an end the Akarusian elite and foreign guests have begun to gather in the royal halls of the palace for the annual banquet. Media coverage has already begun of the arriving guests. Coverage of the banquet is expected to be extensive this year with a growing list of guests, speakers and entertainment throughout the evening.