Crossword Genius

Felt as if it were celebratory (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

festal

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'celebratory' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'felt as if it' is the wordplay.
'felt as' anagrams to 'FESTAL'.
However, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

'were' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for festal that I've seen before include "Relating to a holiday" , "Joyous, festive" , "Jovial" , "Jovially celebratory" , "Relating to a festival; joyous" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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