What does "festival" mean?

1. (cultural or arts event) a series of special events, like concerts or films, that happen in one place over a few days. 2. (religious or traditional celebration) a special day or period when people celebrate a religious or traditional event. 3. (Jamaican fried bread) a type of sweet, fried cornbread from Jamaica.

festival

US //ˈfɛstəvəɫ// UK //fˈɛstɪvəl// fes·ti·val

1 cultural or arts event (n.)
A1 Beginner

a series of special events, like concerts or films, that happen in one place over a few days.

an organized series of performances, exhibitions, or events centered on a specific theme or artistic discipline.

Example

We bought tickets for the summer music festival held in the park.

Example

The international film festival attracts directors and critics from around the globe, transforming the quiet coastal town into a bustling cultural hub for two weeks.
2 religious or traditional celebration (n.)
A2 Elementary Religion

a special day or period when people celebrate a religious or traditional event.

a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration, often of religious or historical significance.

Example

Diwali is a major Hindu festival known as the festival of lights.

Example

The harvest festival remains a vital tradition in many rural communities, serving as a time for collective gratitude and social gathering after the crops are secured.
- feast
- holy day
- observance

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3 Jamaican fried bread (n.)
C2 Proficiency Dialect Cooking

a type of sweet, fried cornbread from Jamaica.

a traditional Jamaican fried dumpling made from cornmeal and flour, typically served as a side dish with fish.

Example

We ordered fried fish with a side of festival at the beach stall.

Example

The vendor specialized in escovitch fish served alongside perfectly golden festival, a staple of Jamaican seaside cuisine.
- dumpling
- cornbread

Origin

From Middle English festival (adjective), from Old French festival (“festive”), from Late Latin fēstīvālis, from Latin fēstīvus (“festive”). By surface analysis, festive + -al. Displaced native Old English frēols. The noun is shortened from festival day, from Middle English festival dai, festiuall day (“feast day, festival”).