A festival is a big event that usually lasts a day or more and involves cultural programs such as music, dance, sports, plays, movies etc. It can also be a religious celebration or a national holiday. Festivals can be a source of great happiness, joy and entertainment to people from all walks of life. They are the best way to show our enthusiasm and excitement towards life and the world around us.
The social phenomenon of festival has engaged scholars from diverse disciplines such as comparative religion, anthropology and sociology for more than a century. But little explicit theoretical effort has been devoted to the description, analysis and interpretation of festivals.
Today, festivals are an integral part of all cultures and societies. They are often used as a medium to promote cultural diversity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. The festival concept is constantly evolving and changing, blending traditions with new interpretations and incorporating contemporary themes.
A well-run festival is a major economic driver, generating both on and off site spending. On-site expenditure includes ticket purchases, food, drink, souvenirs, parking and accommodation. Off-site spending is generated through the festival’s economic impact on local businesses including accommodation, shops and restaurants. In addition, festivals can provide free advertising and marketing for the local economy through word of mouth.
Providing an opportunity for people to come together in a shared experience creates a sense of belonging. This connection is known as social capital and is a key component of healthy communities. Festivals are a powerful tool for building and maintaining social capital as they offer opportunities for people to interact with each other, share their values and interests and celebrate their common identity.
Cultural festivals can be an excellent place to start if you are interested in learning more about another culture. Attending a festival will expose you to many authentic aspects of a culture and give you a good idea of how the culture is viewed by their community. You may even see things that spark curiosity or make you question what you thought you knew about the culture. If this is the case, write it down on a piece of paper and research it when you get home.
The line-up is not just about announcing the artists, it broadcasts the festival’s own brand and values. Rohit Bhargava spoke about the truth based economy and how “truth sells” at SXSW 2018 where he pointed out that in an age of eroding trust and distrust, audiences are engaging in a search for truth based on direct observation and face to face interaction. An announcement of a line-up that is incongruent with the values of inclusivity and diversity will not fly with an audience that is hungry for it.
Musical culture is an important part of many cultural festivals and can be a powerful vehicle for social change. The inclusion of songs by women, people of colour and those from diverse backgrounds can promote tolerance and understanding in audiences as it enables them to (re)tell their stories and connect with new perspectives.