festivity

Everyday

1. Festivities (usually plural) are the parties, music, food and fun events held to celebrate something. tree →
2. Festivity (uncountable) is the happy, joyful feeling of a celebration. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and religious education, festivities happen at Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Eid, Hanukkah, Chinese New Year, weddings and birthdays. In the news and in stories, it tells the reader there is celebration and joy. Phrases: «the festivities», «Christmas festivities», «join in the festivities», «an air of festivity».

Examples

• The town's Christmas festivities started with a lantern parade. tree →
• We joined in the Diwali festivities at school. tree →
• There was an air of festivity in the street. tree →
• The wedding festivities lasted all day. tree →
• After the festivities, we helped clean up. tree →
• New Year's Eve festivities ended with fireworks. tree →
• The wedding festivities lasted a whole month. tree →

Note

Usually plural: the festivities. Related: festival, festive. Spelling: festivity, festivities (y → ies).