Culture of Millania

Millania is home to many cultures and a wide variety of ethnic groups, traditions, and values. Mainstream Millanic culture is largely derived from the traditions of coffee growers in the Andean region. Colombian, and later Millanian culture, was established by a few spanish and british settlers, and shaped by the frontier settlement process, with the traits derived passed down to descendants and transmitted to immigrants through assimilation. Millanian culture is also heavily influenced by the traditions of the Muisca and Quimbaya tribes of the Andes. Millania is also influenced by southern Chinese customs, foods, traditions, and folklore, especially since its government historically was seated outside the country in Hong Kong, and has attracted many east Asian immigrants. Aspects of Millanian culture such as its constructed language and naming conventions have largely been affected by Sabia and Verona. Millania has developed a system to protect its tangible and intangible heritage and national treasures.

Influences

Chinese Influences

Millania recognises Chinese new year, the dragon boat festival, and tomb sweeping day among other holidays to be national holidays. Several foods of Chinese origin are also recognised as national dishes. The usage of seals is also widespread in the government, and they are often used in place of signatures. The cantonese language is spoken by a minority of Millanians, and is recognised as a national language. Colours such as yellow and red are considered to be lucky, and so is the number eight.

Political attitudes

Millania has historically been an extremely liberal country. Only one chancellor has ever been a conservative, Nicholas Randouler. Polls have suggested widespread support for the welfare state, high taxes, and universal healthcare. Both conservative and liberal Millanians are also largely socially progressive, supporting concepts such as gay marriage, certain transgender protections, and freedom of religion. However, a growing number of immigrants are conservative. Millania is very politically diverse, and has political parties which fit all four quadrants of the political compass.

Music

Classical music has greatly shaped the taste of music in Millania. However, in 2019, a surge in popularity for jazz and latin music among Millanians was seen. The community of Japanese Millanians is known to ardently follow J-Pop artists. Millanian music is also shaped by the rhythms of Colombia. Tiple, a small guitar-like instrument, is often played, usually with the uniquely Millanian balsaje rhythm. A fusion of Chinese and Colombian instruments can be heard with Andean rhythms.

Nicolás Millán is the first and only major Millanian composer. He composed O, Millania, Concierto No. 1 for Contrabass, a suggestion for a Posafian anthem, and a fanfare for the Prince of Andany. He also wrote lyrics for the current Millanian anthem, the Himno Nacional, and the Military anthem, Millanian Military Men. Most original Millanian produced music is classical.

Sport

Since the 2018 MOF Games, sports in Millania have increased in popularity. The most popular active sport in Millania is association football, followed by rugby and lacrosse. Basketball is also popular due to the large ethnic American population. Millania hosted the 2019 MOF Games, and earned the most medals, and placing second overall. Millania earned five medals in total: three gold, two silver, and no bronze.

The most popular game is Pool, played either classic or Millanic three-way (a 3-person game played normally with balls 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 allocated to each player respectively). eSports are extremely popular in Millania, the most popular by far being Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Minecraft minigames, and League of Legends. Millania hosts its own Smash Bros league, under the Millanian Olympic Committee. Millania's National sport is zepgagoscua, a variant of tejo which can be played without the explosive mechas.

Cuisine

Millania's national dishes include ajiaco, a thick soup consisting of potatoes, chicken, carrots, plantains, guasca (an exotic Colombian herb), and more, made into a dish popular among Millanians for curing mild illness. Another dish originating from the northern coast of Colombia is patacones con chili, a plantain cut into large chunks, fried, and then made into a pancake-like shape, and fried once more. Then, any topping is added, along with Millanian style chili sauce (Red peppers, onions, spring onions, etc. pickled into a chili sauce). On top of these dishes, campesino food including arepas, chicharrón, chorizo, and morcilla are all considered national dishes.

Southern Chinese foods such as siu mai, char siu, and congee are often eaten.

Popular culture

The Heralda Pasabrilloía is Millania's most popular newspaper as of 2018; printed online. The Union Chronicle is the only independent newspaper, and is left-leaning. Teldorado is the country's national broadcaster, responsible for the vastly popular and highly watched election broadcasts, known for their high graphics quality and intrigue.

Most publications of any type of Millanian media are made in either english, or spanish. The most viewed video produced in Millania was the 2019 MOF Games Opening Ceremony, which achieved over a hundred views. The most popular social media in Millania is WhatsApp, followed by Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, and Facebook. The government hosts official groups on both discord and facebook.