Festivals are of significant importance to society, both socially and economically. Festivals and events bring people from all walks of life together, making it one of the best ways to unite people from different backgrounds with a common interest. It’s easy to see the economic benefits of festivals, just like tourism, but there is also the social aspect in it. The following are some benefits brought about by festivals both socially and economically.
Forster Community Pride
Planning for an event takes time. When you bring people together, you foster community togetherness and pride. Festivals such as the Oktoberfest beer event brings people together, helps build relationships and enhances social networking. Food and cultural festivals also promote community pride because people come together to celebrate things that make a town or community special.
Boost the Economy
The main objective of a festival is to attract visitors who will spend money, boosting the government’s revenue base, as well as the local economy. On-site visitors will spend money when purchasing tickets, food, beverages, souvenirs, and paying for parking, among others. Off-site money will be spent on accommodation and at
the gas stations to mention a few. Festivals will also provide free advertising and marketing for the locally owned businesses since visitors will talk about the fun or where they visited when attending the festival. This is a big plus to both tourist and non-tourist related local businesses.
Teach New Things
Festivals present an opportunity for attendants to learn new things which is a benefit to society. By attending a festival, visitors get first-hand knowledge as opposed to learning in a classroom or from books. Cultural, science and art festivals, in particular, are ideal for people who want to interact with members of the society or professionals and get practical knowledge on the subject or theme of the festival.
Strengthen Relationships
In most cases, festivals are sponsored by governments, private and public organisations, among other parties. During the planning phase of the festivals, these partners come together and strike a bond with the local community, helping create relationships between all individuals involved. The success of the festival will also bring all parties together in celebration for work well done. If a community does not nurture connections and relationships, then it’s bound to stagnate.