One of the key functions of festivals is their role as living archives. Through repeated enactment, they keep traditional practices alive in a way that books or museums cannot fully capture. For example, a traditional dance performed at a festival does more than entertain—it teaches steps, songs, and stories to younger participants, embedding knowledge through experience.
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Festivals also serve as markers of belonging. In an increasingly globalized world, they give diaspora communities a way to reconnect with their roots. A Lunar New Year celebration in a Western city, for example, allows people far from their ancestral homeland to reaffirm their heritage while sharing it with neighbors from different backgrounds.
However, festivals face new challenges. Commercialization is one. As tourism grows, many festivals are adapted to appeal to international visitors, sometimes at the expense of authenticity. While this can bring economic benefits, it risks diluting cultural meaning. The line between sharing a tradition and turning it into a spectacle can be thin.
Still, festivals are uniquely adaptable. Communities often use them to address contemporary issues while maintaining traditional frameworks. Environmental themes, for example, are increasingly woven into ancient celebrations, demonstrating that heritage can evolve while staying relevant.
