[Factbook] The Holy Empire of Nalibia

[Ventel]

This Page is intended to outline in summary or detail all aspects of the nation of Nalibia. With time I hope to include facts, histories, mythology, holidays, culture, cuisine, religion, etcetera.

I hope you enjoy the read, and feel free to DM ideas for collaborating histories (sounds like a horrible idea, but I hope it can work lol).

Thank you. 

(Names of Cities and Provinces are still TBD) 

[Ventel]

3-Letter Code: NLA 2-Letter Code: NL 

Capital City: The Holy Imperial City of Chikere

Government Type: Theocratic Constitutional Monarchy

Leader: Emperor Adebimpe Similola of House Melzedek

Population: 13,880,456                                                          

Population density: Average

GDP per capita: δ36,842

National Dish- Mouzumbo

The Holy Empire of Nalibia is a multi-ethnic nation unified under a single faith. Over the past thousands of years the people of Nalibia have fought and reunified several times. The first unification referred to as the first founding happened around 2130BF under Akachi the unfaithful; whom also founded the present day state religion. Akachi is still revered by all peoples of Nalibia to this day. More recently the nation was officially reunified in 1015AF under it's present day constitution.

 

Major Good 

 

• Religion- The Priesthood of Nalibia is the Theocratic Government Branch of the nation. It is first and foremost dedicated to preserving the Religious integrity of the nation; while preserving both the traditions and culture of the people. It does this through its three religious orders being; The Order of Wisdom- Which is responsible for the Nation's education system. The Order of Understanding- Which is responsible for Disease Control and Prevention, and Medicine through scientific research in natural sciences. It is also in control of regulating the Agriculture sector. And lastly The Order of Knowledge- Which regulate communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all the nation's territories.
  
  This in turn means the people of Nalibia are slow to embrace social change of any kind; preserving a sense of ethnic an national pride; causing them to be well educated in many fields of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is said, "If it is done today in Nalibia, it has been done that way the last 1,000 years,"
   
• Military- Nalibia has made a commitment to security, and maintains a moderately sized modern armed forces within it's means. The Nalibian military is made up of six major branches which include; the Army, Navy, Air Legion, Yasher, Royal Guard and Peace Corp. Upon reaching the age of 20; male citizens are conscripted into one of these six branches of their choice. Females may also join the military though they do not serve on the frontline. Males whom do not wish to serve in the military full time will complete 14 weeks of basic training before being sent into their respective branch for further training in a specialty military occupation. After all training is complete these males are treated as reserve forces and allowed to return to civilian life to resume their normal lives. They will report to their respective post monthly; becoming intimately familiar with their terrain, honing their skills and learning guerrilla tactics in case of invasion. Exemptions are given to the handicapped and mentally impaired, however if they wish to serve in the reserve; even they can be accepted to work as clerks, cooks, janitor staff, etc. As males in the reserve become older they are required to appear to their monthly post less.
  
  20-24: Every month for three to six days
  25-29: Every two month for three to six days
  30-34: Every three month for three to six days
  35-39: Every three month for three days
  40-45: Every four month for three days
  46: Honorably Discharged and No longer required to present to post.
  
  If a non-exempt male refuses to serve before the age of 35, he will be disqualified to vote, unable to own land, and disallowed to hold any government office for two generations (this includes princes holding their title and being allowed to present themselves to the Elder High Priest for "Selection Of Ascension").
  
  Nalibia controls it's own military industrial complex though it does partner and buy equipment from other governments. Despite it's impressive military, historically Nalibia is peaceful (at least to outside nations) and more prone to isolation from "bad actors" than invading its lands. Most conflicts Nalibia have engaged in are civil, or due to defending its allies, or as part of coalitions against "bad actors". 
  
  Nalibia believes maintaining a strong military allows them to control their own destiny; thus they stockpile and train as if war may happen tomorrow. However, it is more likely for other nation to see Keepers of the Peace Corp. rendering aid after natural disaster as opposed to Cherubim of the Yasher and bombs from the Air Legion.

 

Minor good

 

• Monarchy- The Monarchy of Nalibia is the Royal Government Branch of the nation; with an Emperor/King of Kings ruling over the nation. Each province is divided into smaller territories ruled by elected Perfects of the people. These Perfects answer to a Hereditary Monarch whom rules over the whole province as king or queen. In turn these kings and queens answer to the Emperor himself; which is also Hereditary, whom as stated before acts as head of State. This means democracy only exist at the local level with the Perfects being the equivalent of mayors.
  
  Due to elections being only local; the people are less caught up in the cults of personality regarding elected officials, nor do they have loyalty to political parties. The people pay very close attention to and almost worship the Monarchy whom are very well loved by the people due to cultural and national pride. However, this love is fickle; as when their lives are disrupted for too long they know exactly where the royal families live; which historically speaking, the mob has claimed the death of a few monarchs of times past.
   
• Civil Rights- The Constitution and Eternal Rights are documents which outline the rights of the people of Nalibia. The Supreme Court; which is the Judicial Government Branch of the nation, role is to protect and maintain these rights. As Nalibia is also theocratic in part, so you can imagine some "freedoms/rights" are non-existent, but not to the level you would think. Women are free to own their own businesses. Children are free to pursue careers of their choosing. Political free speech and protest are protected, and everyone has the right to a fair day in court.
  
  Civil Rights are important for a healthy and happy nation, and this is not lost on the people of Nalibia, but simple because one can and wants, does it make it a "right" to do so?

 

Major Bad

 

• Space Exploration- Space is a major area where Nalibia lacks. Even in this age of technology Nalibia does not wish to explore space any further than low-earth orbit. No Nalibians have been to space nor the moon. Through an under-funded national space program the NSA (Nalibian Space Agency) has managed to launch a few communication satellites into orbit for public and military use.
  
  This means those seeking to explore space further have had to migrate to nations with more advanced space programs. In turn the people of Nalibia worry if they are losing their best and brightest to other nations.
   
• Social Equity- While it is acknowledged that old remnants and even present day bigotry, economic class, crime and misfortune can stunt ones ability to have access to the proper tools to succeed; When it comes to the economy and society, Nalibia believe in meritocracy. This mean there are no affirmative action quotas to help those seeking to escape the ills of there environment. What the government has done is try to better the schools of low income communities, and build state funded trade schools. As well as crack down on crime and corruption which steal state funds from communities that need it.
  
  Nalibia may appear cold in this regard, but they wish for the world to know, they are not heartless.

 

Minor bad

 

• Eco-Friendliness- While the nation has invested into renewable energy, and sees itself as stewards of it's land; it also has made it clear that it has no intention of ever fully going green. With it's outright ban of personal electric vehicles, refusal to sign any climate treaties, and blatant denial of man-made climate change, Nalibia has made it clear that the environment is not it's main priority. All this said however, Nalibia does have very green cities with flora built into it's architecture, national parks, state run wildlife reserves and conservation efforts. The newly established Nalibian Green Party has managed to take a few seats in parliament, showing that the people of Nalibia maybe becoming more green conscience beyond aesthetics.
  
  Time will tell if Nalibia's anti-green intentions are purely in protecting it's own national sovereignty, or if it truly does not care about the environment. As many still believe, "this whole climate change scare may just be a fad anyway,"
   
• Taxes- Nalibia has a flat tax rate that is completely voluntary, and in the event a citizen choses to pay taxes; the citizen choses where 75% of their taxes go. This leaves many sectors of government underfunded. To work around this, each year the sectors of the government that are underfunded are allowed to sell bonds to the public. These bonds are credited toward the citizens' taxes the next year allowing them to owe less or even nothing. This creates a tail chasing affect as some sectors never receives the funding it needs, and previously well funded sectors find themselves selling bonds the following year. Not paying your taxes does come with some draw backs however; as a person whom does not pay taxes can not benefit in some government services such as but not limited to; taking part in any elections, using the courts to bring forth a legal lawsuit nor be part of any class action lawsuits, etc.. But a citizen will also not be summoned or forced to serve on any jury that year.
  
  While this is a problem some experts have argued that having to sell bonds keeps the public informed of the functions each sector provides. Arguably for the better, it has also allowed the private sector to create businesses to compensate underfunded areas; though these private sectors in government function are highly regulated and treated with great skepticism.

 

 

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Further Summary.

Mouzumbo– Mouzumbo is a stew serve over hot cooked rice that is popular throughout the empire, and is the official national cuisine. Great Mouzumbo starts with roux, a flavorful thickening agent made from equal parts fat and flour. Once the roux is a deep golden color add beef, lamb or goat (sometimes all three), and the "holy trinity" – celery, bell peppers, and onions are added. Lastly a thickener is added; Mouzumbo is often categorized by the type of thickener used, whether okra or filé powder.

Government Spending– Nalibia provides multiple programs such as universal healthcare, welfare, and free college tuition for its citizens. Due to state control of it's natural resources Nalibia has more money to spend on it citizens than some other nations may have. In addition to the previously mentioned programs, the government also provides housing for newlyweds, public school funding, social security, unemployment, workers compensation and public libraries to name a few.

Energy Sector– Nalibia's power is generated primarily by fossil fuels, mostly being natural gas. However, in the past few years Nalibia has begun to explore green options such as solar, wind and hydro electric options. Nalibia's electric grid is maintained by it's state run Energy Council headed by the royal family of each province.

Natural Resources– All non-renewable natural resources in Nalibia are state controlled. Renewable resources such as lumber and fishing are strictly regulated, but allowed to be owned and controlled by the private sector and market. The popular view is that the resources of the land belong to the people, not just one family, nor select investors. To this end all people of the nation benefit from the mining and gathering of the wealth of the land.

Economy Sector– Nalibia has a capitalist economy for the most part, but some sectors fall under state control. Water, electricity, gas and communications fall under State control. Essential foods such as rice, wheat and potatoes are subsidized by the government, and their price to sell is regulated. That said however, the private sector still owns and maintains most of the empire's economic industries such as Manufacturing, Production, Technology, Stocks and Trade, Retail, most of the Agriculture, and Entertainment to name a few.

Taxation– Nalibia has a voluntary flat income tax rate for all citizens. A person who does not pay taxes is not allowed to take part in elections; to vote nor can they run for political office, they are not eligible for government programs, nor can they file claims in courts. It should be stated that citizens whom do not pay taxes are allowed to defend themselves in court and are allowed to report crimes, they are just not allowed to file civil claims or bring petitions before the government. For non-citizen residents however it is non-voluntary, with them paying a slightly higher flat rate.

Provincial Parliament– Each province has its own Parliament sometimes referred to as the Legislative Minor Government Branch; with the power to pass laws to govern its province as long as the laws are not unconstitutional, nor in opposition to the Laws of the faith, nor in opposition to imperial Law. Once a law is created by parliament with a simple majority vote it is than approved or rejected by the Provincial Ruler; needing a 2/3rd majority to be enacted if the ruler rejects the law’s creation. Once a law is created by Parliament it stays in affect for only 50 years; After which it needs to be brought to the floor to be voted on and re-enacted into law again. The Parliament also decides where to allocate taxes of the province, with a small percentage allocated to the Imperial Government. The Provincial Parliament may also hold hearings and inquiries into matters regarding the province of the Parliament, but do not have the power to summon its ruler. The people also elect local judges, prosecutors, sheriffs, treasures and other such offices which there territory may need. Representatives are elected as advisors to the king/queen and Emperor allowing the needs and wants of the people to be heard via their respective.

Lastly the Parliament falls under the power of the Theocratic, Judicial and Royal branches in function, and checks non of the powers of the three main branches of government in turn.

The Priesthood– Nalibia's Priesthood is part of its government. Its role is to check the power of the Royal Rulers and Supreme Court to assure the Laws of the Faith are preserved. It has no power to make new laws, but does have the authority to enforce the Laws of the Faith, and may pass edicts (laws of past rulers). The Main role of the Priesthood is to carry out and teach the tenets of the faith throughout the nation. The Elder High Priest is the head of the Priesthood overseeing all orders of the faith. He has the responsibility of choosing the successor to the various Royal Rulers of Nalibia, and can repeal or nullify any law passed by the Parliament or Royal Rulers that go against the Laws of the Faith.

The Supreme Court– The Supreme Court of Nalibia is one of the three Balances of power; the other two being the Priesthood and the Royal families. Its role is to check the power of the Royal rulers and Priesthood to assure the constitution is upheld. Made up of lawyers and judges the Supreme Court oversees the Judicial branch of the government. It has no power to pass law, but can repeal or nullify any law passed by the Parliament or Royal Rulers deemed to be unconstitutional. There are seven Supreme Judges holding the highest office of the Nalibian Supreme Court called Mishpats. Two are appointed by the Emperor, two are appointed by vote of the other Royals, two more are appointed by the Elder High Priest, and lastly one is appointed by popular vote of the people being the only office of the Three Branches which is elected into power. All Mishpats serve until retirement at the age of 70 unless they resign or are removed from office.

Royal Rulers– The Royal Rulers, rule over the provinces of Nalibia within the limitations of the Supreme Court and Priesthood. Nefalme/Nenala, meaning king/queen is the proper title of the Provincial Rulers of Nalibia. Passing laws, pronouncing judgments, administering resources, and meeting with foreign diplomates and dignitaries are but a few duties of a Royal Ruler. Each sits as a head of state over his or her own province; with the emperor ruling over the entire nation welding Imperial authority over the other provinces, as well as his own province. The Royal Rulers also decides where to allocate profits from the state-run industries of their province, with a small percentage allocated to the Imperial Government. When a Royal Ruler dies, all laws made or enacted by that ruler are enforced for no more than 50 years of the time in which they were first enacted. The succeeding ruler, the Parliament and the Priesthood may enact these newly repealed laws as edicts if they so wish to.

The Emperor- Negumalchei which means King of Kings in the Nalibian language, is the proper title of the Emperor of Nalibia. Still classified as part of the Royal Branch of Government; the Negumalchei acts as Head of State of the empire, Imperial Leader of the Armies during war, and holds exclusive powers not limited to; calling for a vote for war, make treaties with the approval of the other Royal Rulers, implementing Imperial law over the whole of the nation, represent the nation in talks with foreign Heads of State, granting pardons of imperial criminals, and appointing ambassadors. The laws which the Negumalchei pass can be repealed or nullified if deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, or if found to be in contradiction to the Holy Law of the faith. These law stay in effect for 60 years after being enacted, and can be passed as edicts by the succeeding Negumalchei, or by a 2/3 vote of the Royal Rulers. The Imperial House of Melzedek is the current ruling family of the nation, and has been the ruling family since the Constitutional Founding of 1015AF.

 

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WIP

Nalibian Holidays, Holy Days and other Celebrations

 

Every nation has its unique or even shared special occasions unto itself. Nalibia is no different in this regard; 1 holy day is kept once a week and another which is kept once a month. There are 3 holy days that are dedicated to their god EUEI that are kept once a year, and 5 holidays which are unique to its people in form or the way it is held; which are also kept yearly. Lastly there is 1 holiday in the nation that is celebrated ever 7 years. An important note however is that due to Nalibia's location at the equator the seasons of Spring, Summer, Fall and winter don't really translate. The year is simply divided into four quarters of alternating wet and dry seasons, and the Nalibian months are numbered 1st through 12th, starting in their first wet season. Finally a 13th month is added to the calendar every 3 years for the same function that the Markan calendar includes leap years. 
 

Weekly and Monthly Holy Days

 

• 7th day rest: Considered one of the most holy observances, every 7th day starting from the New Moon. Work is not done on this day. In observance to their belief of a six day creation, the people of Nalibia do not work on this day. Only first responders and essential jobs still work on these days; for this reason today Nalibia implemented a two day weekend assuring that those whom had to work the official 7th day would be allowed a day off on the following. On the official 7th day all stores and businesses are closed, but they are allowed to reopened the following day. However, non-essential government buildings and banks will not reopen until the 2nd day of the week.
  
  
   
• The New Moon Festival: The New Moon is a holy day, and is the first day of Nalibia's month. The Priesthood of Nalibia will gather at the Elder High Temple to present to their god EUEI a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs of one year in age each, all without defect. Each of the animal sacrifices was to be accompanied by a grain offering and a drink offering. In addition to burnt offerings, a goat is to be sacrificed to EUEI as a sin offering. The New Moon festival mark the consecration to their god each new month through the year. New Moon festivals are treated as a 7th day, and are marked by sacrifices, the blowing of horns over the sacrifices, and social or family feasts. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.
  

 

Yearly Holidays, Holy Days and Celebrations

(April, May and June)

 

 

• Nalibian New Year: This day is observed on the last night of the previous year thru the first day of the new; marking a New Year in Nalibia. This day is treated the same as a New Moon Festival; making it a holy day, only with grander feast as good old times are shared with friends and close family. When the sun fully sets horns are blown in celebration of the New Year accompanied by fireworks in great spectacular fashion at twilight. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.
  
  
   
• Ifeoma: Ifeoma was the first wife of Akachi, and the first to be taught and accept the ways of EUEI by him. This holiday is celebrated as lover's day, and is observed on the 13th day of the 2nd month. This day is set aside most for women acknowledging all they do to strengthen the men they love and/or care about. Chocolate, sweets, and flowers are the traditional gifts to give to your love interest on this day, as it is a day set aside for romance and love. Festivals of Red are held all around the Empire in every city and town at this time for couples and those hoping to find love. Activities such as watching performances, winning carnival prizes or riding fair rides as well as sampling special foods that only come out for the festival are the pass times of this holiday. On this day government buildings and banks are open.
  
  
   
• Tournament of Fist: Every 7 years this celebration is held on the 1st week of the 3rd month, A Nalibian city is chosen to host, a hand to hand combat tournament. Every nation of the world is invited to send three warriors to represent their nation in this mix martial arts tournament. The main tournament last one week and every night of the tournament a large feast is held as well as a live musical performance except on the 7th day. The Tournament of Fist has become a major world attraction bringing tourist from around the world to witness and participate in the tournament. Today the winner is given 20 million Shenar and a crown of Steel lined with Gold with an engraving of the champion's name and year of the competition. Their Bust is then fixed in the Hall of Heroes in the Temple of Knowledge, and lastly the Emperor will officially offer the champion the position of being the Imperial Champion; whose job it is to act on the Emperor's behalf in Trails by Combat as well as be his personal bodyguard. This position comes with a hefty salary and plenty of benefits. Today the Tournament of Fist also host 34 other events which take place 2 weeks before and continue during the main event. Events such as gymnastics, track and field, and shooting competitions to name a few. Awards are given in these events for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners with a gold, silver or bronze medal and a cash prizes of 1 million, 500 thousand, and 250 thousand Shenar to those who place respectively. On these days all government buildings and banks are open.
  

(July, August and September)

 

• Visiting Night: This holy day is observed on the 15th day of the 4th month of the year, Nalibinites celebrate the day Akachi was given "Truth". On the 8th day of the month a sacred assembly is held by all citizens regardless of status or ethnicity save for the men whom are uncircumcised (as they have not accepted "Truth"), and another on the 15th day. No work is done at all on these two days; except first responders, military, essential personal and those needed to prepare food for everyone to eat on the 14th night. On these two days all non-essential government building and banks are closed. Fasting begins on the 8th day for all men of Nalibia, and last until the eating of the lamb or goat on the 14th night.
  
  On the tenth day of the fourth month each man is to take a lamb or goat for his family, one for each household. If any household is too small for a whole lamb or goat, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. They are to determine the amount of lambs or goats needed in accordance with what each person will eat. On the 14th day the lamb or goat of 1 year in age without defect is sacrificed at midnight. That same night they are to eat the lamb or goat roasted over the fire with its head and legs all attached, along with bitter herbs, sweet bread baked without yeast, and red wine outside under the stars. The meat is not allowed to be prepared in any other way. None of the meat is to be left till morning, and if some is; then it is buried. No leavened bread is sold, bought or consumed for these 7 days. During the feast the Nalibinite people minister to all about the goodness and blessings of EUEI and how their god came to Akachi to teach him The Holy Law.
  
  
   

(October, November and December)

 

• Festival of Lights: Held on the 6th Night of the 7th month of the year, Hero's Day is a holiday dedicated to men and women who have died in service to Nalibia. On this night a lantern is lite and released into the sky, or on paper boats in memory of a love one that was lost at war. Families will typically feast outside on this day and offer a burnt sacrifice of a Dove or Pigeon to their god EUEI. Military Parades and demonstrations are also held on the main street of towns and cities during the day. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.
  
  
   
• Harvest Day: Held on the 21st day of the 8th month of the year. This holiday is held in two ways. If the season brought a good harvest, or your family had a good year then the family holds a feast. But if the family had a poor harvest, or a bad year then it is a day of fasting and reflection. Both families will make a sacrifice of Grain to EUEI and pray, asking for a good following year and giving thanks for what they have as well as think each other for allowing EUEI to work through family and friends to help them through difficult times. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.
  
  
   
• Horfun: Horfun means Parents Giving, and this holiday is observed on the 20th day of the 9th month. This day parents give gifts to their children to teach them about charity, wishing and bringing others joy, being merry and jolly, and making it a year to remember with friends and loved ones. This celebration accompanies a large feast as extended families gather together at their eldest father's home. A dove or pigeon is offered as a Burnt sacrifice to EUEI, and an animal from the flock is typically eaten for the feast. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.
  
  
   

(January, February and March)

 

• Day of Atonement: This holy day is observed on the 10th day of the 10th month as the day of atonement for sins. Nalibinites call it the Holy of holy days, and it is treated as a 7th day upon which one must afflict one's soul. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Nalibinite people traditionally observe this holy day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting, intensive prayer, giving to charity, and making amends with family, friends and neighbors. Most Nalibinites go to their local temple and sing with the choir as all broadcast stations except local and national news are shut down for the day. On this day there is no eating and drinking, no wearing of leather shoes, only wearing cotton and wool, no bathing or washing, no anointing oneself with perfumes or lotions and no marital relations. Unlike most other Nalibian holy days there is no feast or celebrations as this day is set apart to show humility before EUEI. On this day all non-essential government buildings and banks are closed.
  
  
   
• The Gathering: This seven-day holiday is held on the 2nd week of the 11th month of the year. Each of the 7 days is dedicated to a Nalibian principle. The whole of communities gather together usually in the center of their town to fellowship with one another. The first day is Faith: To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our faith in EUEI. The second day is Unity: To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, faith and nation. The third day is Self-Determination: To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves, and also be an example of the blessings that comes with service and obedience to EUEI. The forth day is Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together in observance to the laws of EUEI. The fifth day is Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses, and to profit from and with them together. The sixth day is Purpose: To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our Nation in order to maintain the greatness of our people, and to be “a light of righteousness to all nations”. The seventh night is on the 7th day, and all the observances of the 7th day are in affect. It's Principle is Creativity: To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community and Nation more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it from our fathers. This day ends with a family prayer and marks the end of the gathering. On these days all non-essential government buildings and banks work half the day.
  
  
   

Province Celebrations
Besides the Holy days and Celebrations mentioned above which are kept though out the whole of the Empire, there is also Celebrations that are unique to individual provinces or which are observed at different times.

 

• Royal Birthdays: In Nalibia the birthdays of Royals are celebrated as Province Holidays. The celebration begins with a firework display followed by a party attended by high officials, aristocrats and celebrities at the palace of the Ruler at sundown. Before the firework display begins the Elder High priest or High priest will begin with a prayer of praise to EUEI, accompanied by the sacrifice of an ox, lamb, and goat. A benefit concert; open to the public, is held for charity in front of the ruler's Palace; preformed by an A-list talent. Banks and Government buildings are open on these days.
  
  
   
• Greenest Day: This Celebration is held in (City and Province TBD) on the 1st day in the 2nd month of the year. For a time from 1337-1350 AF all drugs were banned in (Province). Like any prohibition this led to organized crime and violence. But on the 1st day of the 2nd month in 1350 AF King Ula abolished the law in grand fashion. He himself before the people apologized for what he called a foolish law, and lite a joint which he shared with his wife and newly released prisoners that were arrested for drug use and possession. The next year the people of (Province) threw a celebration commemorating the abolishment of the law and the king's willingness to correct his own law out of his love for his people; by sharing joints with friends and neighbors. It has since turned into a yearly 6-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome hundreds of thousands of tourist and visitors from around the world, with music concerts from big name international as well as local performers, rides, games and vendors. The celebration begins with the King or Queen lighting a joint which is passed to the crowd, and the festival ends with an award winning artist's music performance. On these days government buildings and banks are open.
  
  
   
• The Festival of Rejoice: Starting on the 1st night of the 3rd week of the 5th month during the first dry season, and ending on the 6th night of the same week. (City and province TBD) becomes the culture hub of Nalibia, and is the biggest tourist attraction of the whole year. The festival is an annual celebration thrown to celebrate Nalibian sovereignty, patriotism, its multi-ethnic heritage and letting the good times roll. Parades are marched in front of the Royal palace as teams of scantily clad dancers use traditional and interpretive dance to commemorate Nalibian history, mythology and culture on grand rolling stages. The spectacle is accompanied with music, public intoxication and parties that last all night. The origins of the Festival is itself a mystery with tales of it being a festival to celebrate the sugarcane burning before harvest, slave rebellions and even others saying it was in celebration of the end of fasting for the "Visiting Night" holy day. Regardless of the reason the Festival has become a holiday unto itself with no one calling for its end in the foreseeable future. Within the city and surrounding towns, all non-essential government buildings are closed, but banks are open for limited hours for this week long celebration.