Traditional festivals are means of heritage conservation. They actively pass down customs, legends, music, dance and other artistic traditions between older generations to newer. Through this, it ensures that the cultural identity survives in the form of a common celebration. Celebration where everyone is a part of it; also enables the people a way to link to their history, values and social connections ensuring tradition remains alive.

Researchers and cultural managers have taken a lot of time to discuss the role of traditions and festivals. We cannot deny the fact that festivals, with their wide dissemination and great attraction, have a profound impact on the spiritual and material life of the people. 

Festivals contribute to creating close relationships and promote solidarity among members of the community and society as a whole. This is a necessary condition for the stability, development, and existence of the community and society. 

Why We Need Festivals?

Festivals maintain the community’s rituals, beliefs, and customs, and are an essential part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the nation. In the context of globalization, the concern for cultural identity and a traditional culture that is both rich and diverse becomes more urgent. Vietnam is a country with many diverse ethnic groups. It is also a country with a rich culture, in which traditional festivals are considered the soul and essence of a nation.

Festivals show national characteristics and reflect and crystallize spiritual, artistic, historical, cultural, and social values and treasures throughout the course of national formation, development, war, and revolution.

Significance of Traditional Festivals in Cultural Preservation

Traditional festivals derive from the nature of the life of their ethnic society and are a way to meet humans’ spiritual needs, which include singing, dancing, theatrical activities, and games. The tradition of celebrating traditional festivals has many aspects in cultural preservation. Traditional festivals contain valuable cultural information about the people, such as their customs, identity, and ideals, from which human aspirations such as practice, emotion, belief, and religion are formed. 

The customs of the people during the festival give rise to religious concepts, ethical writings, and artistic works. Traditional festivals contain unique aesthetics and play a role in embellishing national identity. Festivals include folklore, songs, games, musical instruments, dances, and the relics of festivals. They also contain the rules of behavior between humans and the divine, elevating the soul, benefiting the nation, and creating a cultural space of time and place. 

Traditional festivals are a way to express strong feelings and aspirations of the community. These are celebrations of union, bonding, and the unity of the nation. Traditional festivals provide spiritual support to society in the long struggle against invasion and destruction by enemies and strengthen their national position.

Historical Evolution of Traditional Festivals

Festivals play an important role in cultural heritage. Traditional festivals started with the beginning of human history as the earliest way of life for man. Humans were born in nature, and nature has always been a part of humanity. Thus, human activities were combined with natural activities. In Particular, primitive humans’ way of life completely relied on nature. In the agricultural age, humans produced material things from nature, which forced them to look for natural laws. Due to the influence of hours of darkness, solstices, new moons, and even seasonal changes, humans noticed nature and referred many festivals to it. Festivals have rich characteristics and are an indispensable part of human culture. Traditional festivals are a precious cultural heritage of the people and an important symbol of national survival, mainly serving as special days for official celebration. 

Traditional festivals have a long history, growing up under special environments and carrying folk, religious, and historical information. Traditional festivals depart from their respective conditions to express emotions, presenting all sorts of pride and escalating feelings. Over time, a long line of traditional festivals will produce a set of folk cultures. 

Festivals are a heritage of human culture, which has a long history and rich content. Although the meaning is different due to regional disparities and historical development, festivals generally derive from sites, human relations, customs, games, entertainment, rituals, guilds, and more. All of these are closely related to ancient human civilization and can partially reveal human attitudes concerning property, feelings, and national status. Traditional festivals, as an important symbol of cultural socialization, hold extremely important value and meaning.

Impact of Globalization on Traditional Festivals

The impact of globalization on traditional festivals can be seen on the superficial level and the intangible level. Firstly, the commercialization of festivals has transformed them into publicly hounded, potentially profitable tourist events. Complaints come from many countries about the increasing impact of the tourism industry on traditional festivals, calling for an officially organized tourism festival rather than an enthusiastic outpouring of inherited ritual. 

With the rapid improvement of transport, traditional festivals evolve into worldwide attractions that invite many foreigners to participate. They will neither understand the meaning of the festivals nor behave appropriately, which somehow diminishes the unique functions of the festivals. 

Secondly, during the process of tourism dissemination, in order to attract foreigners, some exotic elements were added to traditional festivals, such as New Year celebrations instead of ancestor worship for the Spring Festival. In the Great Sacrifice Festival in Yunnan, foreign visitors enjoy a fascinating traditional festival to the fullest with the local people. The strong argument that festivals should be rehearsed in order to be made acceptable for tourism consumption reverses the normal situation during which local people gradually transformed their traditional festivals to attract more tourists and their money. 

Cultural resistance to tourism is largely based on the idea that a center is legitimate only when it is not a tourist attraction and that stable traditions are endangered. 

These underexposed festivals carry the concern and objectives of cultural heritage into a dramatic focus not by presenting perfect examples, but by celebrating remote and marginalized manifestations of themes that are fundamental for understanding the diversity and continuity of human cultures. They demonstrate how much the international community can contribute to the well-being and reintegration of such marginalized cultures, supporting an invaluable pool of knowledge that is so precious in a world continuously threatened with diminishing cultural diversity.

Boosting Economic Activity

Traditional festivals can significantly stimulate local economies. By attracting tourists, these events generate revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. Artisans and performers benefit from the increased visibility and sales opportunities, which help sustain their crafts and livelihoods. This economic boost can be particularly important for smaller communities, where festivals can become a key part of the local economy. Additionally, the influx of visitors can lead to infrastructure improvements and increased investment in the area, further enhancing economic development.

Promoting Cultural Exchange

Festivals serve as platforms for cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse groups. By participating in these events, individuals are exposed to different cultural practices, traditions, and perspectives. This exposure can help break down stereotypes and reduce cultural prejudices, promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society. Moreover, the shared experience of celebration can create bonds between people from different backgrounds, enhancing social cohesion and unity.

Adapting to Modern Times

The ability of traditional festivals to adapt to contemporary contexts is essential for their continued relevance. Incorporating modern elements, such as digital technology, environmental sustainability practices, and inclusive programming, can attract younger audiences and address current societal concerns. For example, many festivals now emphasize eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste and using sustainable materials, to align with global environmental goals. This adaptability ensures that festivals remain vibrant and meaningful in a rapidly changing world.

Conclusion

Traditional festivals are vital for preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of identity and continuity. They provide a counterbalance to the forces of cultural homogenization, celebrating the unique traditions and histories of communities. Supporting these festivals is crucial not only for honoring the past but also for building a future that values diversity and inclusivity. By participating in and preserving these cultural events, we contribute to a richer, more interconnected global community. Festivals remind us of the importance of cultural diversity and the shared human experience, helping to create a more harmonious and understanding world.

In summary, traditional festivals are dynamic and evolving entities that offer significant cultural, economic, and social benefits. Their preservation and adaptation are essential for maintaining cultural diversity and promoting unity in an increasingly globalized world.