1350-1400;Middle Englishfestivite (< Old French) < Latinfēstīvitās. See festive, -ity
Examples from the web for festivity
Behind us, the house had become a thumping shadowbox of festivity.
Today, it is mostly pageantry, with a lingering touch of popular festivity.
The retiree appears to be dressed for some kind of festivity, and has confused that festivity with the writer.
The literary expression of his autumnal festivity is to be found in the bagatelles.
Everyone on the shoot became kind of childlike, almost giddy, in the face of them-there's an innate festivity in such abundance.
Her dancing and comic acting capture the spirit of festivity admirably.
Occasionally, events overlapped during the four-hour festivity.
When monsters stop eating people there is cause for festivity.
Convivial dinners have nearly disappeared and with them the sense of festivity and exchange, of community and sacrament.
Specially trained staff ensures the festivity and safety of camp.
British Dictionary definitions for festivity
festivity
/fɛsˈtɪvɪtɪ/
noun (pl) -ties
1.
merriment characteristic of a festival, party, etc
2.
any festival or other celebration
3.
(pl) festive proceedings; celebrations
Word Origin and History for festivity
n.
late 14c., from Old French festivité, from Latin festivitatem (nominative festivitas) "good fellowship, generosity," from festivus "festive," from festum "festival or holiday," neuter of festus "of a feast" (see feast). Related: Festivities.