ga·la 
(gālə, gălə, gälə)
(gālə, gălə, gälə)n.
1. A festive occasion, especially a lavish social event or entertainment.
2. Chiefly British An athletic competition, especially a swimming contest.
adj.
1. Marked by lavish or festive celebration: a gala ball after the inaugural ceremony.
2. Characterized by sumptuous social pleasure: the gala life of the very rich.
[Italian and French, both ultimately from Old French gale, rejoicing, from galer, to make merry; see GALLANT.]