4.7 Festivals Means of Expression of Collective Memory Festivals are events of some importance From a tourism point of view, the scheduled in time. In the case of a cultural celebration of a festival can be a decisive festival, the definition would be that of factor in choosing a destination where the an event of certain importance related collective memory can be known, a strong to some branch of art, culture, beliefs or reason for repeat visits or an element that values. Festivals constitute a cultural event improves visitor satisfaction in preserving in many towns, cities and countries around local identity and history, thus developing the world. As a celebration of the richness the tourism profile and cultural image of and diversity of culture and creativity, the place they often encompass various forms of contemporary and traditional art: dance, From the physical point of view, the music, theater and arts and crafts. construction of fixed facilities for the festival, the reorganization of communal The festival can be used as a tool for the spaces for its celebration, the development valorisation and promotion of collective of activities during the rest of the year or memory: From a cultural perspective, new areas of the community, can have a they offer a unique snapshot of the reflection in the architecture, urbanism identity, valorization and promotion of a and the use of public and private spaces of community’s collective memory, provide the place an opportunity to revitalize and preserve cultural practices, and often serve as a All localities have their culture and their creative laboratory for contemporary celebrations, many or few, of more or less artists. level, but this entails an important point, and it is that, if it is not disseminated, From a social perspective, they serve to preserved or promoted through tools such reinforce intercultural dialogue, promoting as festivals we run the risk that everything a deeper understanding through the disappears. shared experience of collective memory; Economically, they can generate considerable long-term financial benefits and many employment and commercial opportunities from the promotion of Festival collective memory. Memory Project 68