festival
UK: ˈfɛstɪv(ə)l | US: ˈfɛstəvəl
n. a day or period of celebration, typically for religious or cultural reasons
n. an organized series of concerts, plays, or films, typically held annually in the same place
adj. relating to or characteristic of a festival
festival = fest<feast, celebration> + ival<adjective/noun suffix>
- fest (from Latin festum, meaning "feast" or "holiday")
- ival (a suffix derived from Latin -ivalis, used to form adjectives or nouns denoting relation or belonging)
Etymology Origin:
The word "festival" traces back to the Latin festivus, meaning "festive" or "joyous," which itself comes from festum (feast). The suffix -ival was later added in Old French (festival) to denote something pertaining to a feast. Over time, the term evolved in English to describe both religious celebrations and organized cultural events, retaining its core association with joy and communal gatherings.
The city hosts a music festival every summer.
Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrated with lights and fireworks.
We attended a film festival showcasing independent movies.
The harvest festival marks the end of the farming season.
The streets were decorated for the annual Christmas festival.