The Revival of Cultural Celebrations in Regional Sweden. Aspects of Tradition and Transition

Abstract

A noticeable revival of local and regional festivals and celebrations took place in Sweden during the 1980s. Similar trends can be seen elsewhere in Europe. Annual celebrations of all kinds, some focusing on the past (such as local historical events), others on the present (such as local market days), are being arranged. Some of the celebrations are aimed at tourists, others are directed toward the local population. Local cultural festivals have been used by a variety of actors, particularly in regions undergoing structural change, to draw outside attention to their regions and to initiate processes of change and development by mobilizing local people ‘inside.’ This article focuses on a ‘regional development area’ in Sweden. It describes a municipality and analyzes the local festivals, celebrations and plays that both unite and differentiate communities in the municipality. The article tries to explain when and why these celebrations began, which groups of people are involved in them and the way in which they have strengthened local identities, initiated social change or influenced local economic development.