Abstract

The third and last section, “Using Festivals: Culture and Identity”, has celebration and festivity at its heart, and examines festivals under the prism of constant change and development. In its first chapter, Samuel Aniegye Ntewusu attempts to highlight the distinct differences of Nawuri Guinea Corn Festival in Ghana from other similar festivals held in the region. Arkotong Longkumer evaluates the performance identity of Hornbill Festival in India. Chris Newbold who is also a co-editor of this book, focuses on Songkran Festival in Thailand in terms of its debates surrounding the health and safety aspects, the desire to attract mass tourism, and the effort to defend its cultural identity and integrity. Newbold teams with Meng to examine the role of festivals in Chinese economic development with special reference to Lianyungang festival in Jiangsu Province. Floriane Gaber presents the contribution of street art festivals as life-changers for artists and local population. Paolo Vignolo explores the relation of Iberoamerican Theater Festival in Bogota in Colombia with a much older festive substrate associated with Holy Week and Carnival. Emily Bradfield focuses on the mixture of Spanish Catholic traditions with Aztec rituals in Dia de los Muertos festival in Mexico. Rachel Bowditch illustrates the way that the Tuscon All Souls Procession in Arizona, US, provides a public space for mourning as it is inspired by All Souls Day and the Dia de los Muertos festival. Robyn Archer discusses festival authenticity with special reference to the Garma festival of traditional culture in Australia. Katie Schlenker, Carmel Foley, and Eve Carroll-Dwyer provide an understanding of the developmental impacts of Parkes Elvis Festival in Sydney, Australia, on both attendees and the host community. In the last chapter, Milla Cozart Riggio focuses on Carnival and the culture of the twin Caribbean island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.