A traditional day of celebration of Mother Thylea for Centaurs that sees tribes from across the mainland come together for ‘friendly’ battles, as well as copious amounts of food and drink. Any animosity between tribes is put aside this day, with all fights being non-lethal: they are a chance to test personal strength and prowess, not to right wrongs or enact punishment. This is a right of passage for young Centaurs on mainland Thylea, with their first battle at Ekecheiría signalling their transition into adulthood.
In addition to battling, attendees take part in a number of other competitions too - the most popular of which are hoof races that usually draw the attention of most in attendance. Bets of drinks, money, and other favours are often made on the outcome of these races, and some Centaurs go home much poorer the next day for it!
This day of ‘truce’ between tribes has other benefits too: it allows for matches to be made, with mates being chosen and accepted into new tribes on neutral territory, and it can allow a platform for peaceful discussion and reconciliation of past issues. The peace granted by Ekecheiría follows on to the next day, allowing tribes to begin their journey home without fear of reprisal from any other tribe they are currently unfriendly with.
The location for Ekecheiría is determined on a cyclical basis (cycling through the regions of Thylea) so that no tribe feels they have had to travel too much further than another over the years.