Festivals

A festival is an event celebrated by a community and centred on one or more characteristic aspects of its religion, traditions or cultures. It is often observed as an indigenous or national holiday, a religious celebration, or a cultural fair (mela). A festival is a typical case of glocalization, and also reflects the high culture-low culture interrelationship. In addition to religion and folklore, a significant source for festivals has been agriculture. Since, food is such an essential resource, many festivals are associated with harvest time. Religious observances and thanksgiving for good harvests are integrated into celebrations that take place in autumn, such as Halloween in the northern hemisphere and Easter in the southern hemisphere. Festivals often serve to fulfill specific communal purposes, especially in regard to commemoration or giving thanks to gods, goddesses or saints: they are called patronal festivals. They may also provide entertainment, which was particularly important to local communities before the arrival of mass-produced entertainment. Festivals that focus on cultural or ethnic topics also seek to inform community members of their traditions; the involvement of elders sharing stories and experience provides a means for unity among families. Attendees of festivals are often motivated by a desire for escapism, socialization and camaraderie; the practice has been seen as a means of creating geographical connection, belonging and adaptability.