Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 14.1
A model of the dimensionality of festive events
the rhythms of normal life, which for most people are dominated by the regular
and material routines of the workday, providing an escape from regular routines.
Their time-limitation creates a heightened sense of anticipation before the event
that permanent features cannot provide, for the latter will always be there after the
festive event is over, as well as an occasional experiential opportunity to view or
participate in these events. Their temporality allows the provision of events and
functions that are too complex, expensive, or lack sufficient demand, to provide
on a permanent basis. Moreover festivals may differ in how time is viewed. It has
been suggested that pre-modern and contemporary festivals differ in the way that
they use time (Lefebvre
1971
). In the past, events were not measured in time; time
was qualitative, integrated into the regular routines of life, so the events were often
open-ended; today festivals run like clockwork, with organized timed events, pos-
sessing routines little different from regular life.
Spatially, most festivals are also ephemeral. They take place in areas that are tem-
porarily abstracted from their normal usage, often a street, square or vacant space.
Such areas are usually transformed for the duration of the event by decorations or
by features needed for the event, thereby defining its separate existence. Gravari-
Barbas (
2005
,
2007
) has shown that different types of festivals in Paris are often
found in specific and different spaces. This temporary use may cause conflict with
the more permanent occupiers of the spaces within the city. More generally in coun-
tries or areas where one group has conquered or replaced others, there may also be
an important symbolic meaning in the re-occupation of the particular festival space
by the marginalised group for the limited time of the event. For example, the annual
