THE IMPACT OF FESTIVALS AND CEREMONIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Festivals and ceremonies are an important part of human culture and society. They provide opportunities for people to celebrate their traditions, express their identity, socialize with others, and enjoy entertainment. However, festivals and ceremonies also have various impacts on the communities where they take place, especially in rural areas. Below are some of the positive and negative impacts of festivals and ceremonies in the countryside:
· Community identity and cohesion. Festivals and ceremonies can bring people together who share a common culture, history, or religion, and foster a sense of belonging and pride.
· Entertainment and socialization opportunities. Festivals and ceremonies can offer a variety of activities such as music, dance, food, games, arts, and crafts, that can appeal to the different tastes and interests of residents and visitors. They can also create a festive atmosphere that can break the monotony of everyday life and stimulate happiness and well-being. For example, the Rusinga Cultural Festival is a popular two-day celebration of Abasuba culture that attracts hundreds of locals and tourists each year. Incorporating music, cultural sporting activities, art, and food, the mixed-type festival is held on the last Thursday and Friday before Christmas on Rusinga Island.
· Community growth and development. Festivals and ceremonies can generate economic benefits for rural areas by increasing tourist inflow, spending, employment, and income. They can also create opportunities for local businesses, artisans, farmers, and performers to showcase their products and services. For example, the Ohangla performers who frequent Dudi View Hotel in Oyugis not only create business opportunities for the establishment, but also unlock doors for other artists and entrepreneurs. Moreover, festivals and ceremonies can raise awareness of local issues, culture, history, and environment, and encourage civic participation and social responsibility.
However, festivals and ceremonies also have some negative impacts on the countryside:
· Inconvenience for residents and visitors. Festivals and ceremonies can create problems such as; traffic congestion, noise pollution, littering, vandalism, overcrowding, parking shortage, and security risks. They can also disrupt the normal functioning of public services such as; transportation, health care, education, and sanitation. These problems can affect the quality of life and well-being of the people living or visiting the area.
· Personal frustration for some individuals or groups. Festivals and ceremonies can create conflicts or tensions among different stakeholders such as; organizers, participants, sponsors, authorities, and residents. They can also exclude or marginalize some people who do not share the same culture, religion, or values as the majority or the dominant group, consequently affecting the social harmony and cohesion of the community.
· Behavioural consequences for some participants or spectators. Festivals and ceremonies can induce or facilitate some risky or harmful behaviours such as; excessive drinking, drug use, violence, sexual harassment, or gambling. They can also influence or manipulate some people’s beliefs, attitudes, or decisions such as; superstition, consumerism, or political affiliation. For example, some communities in Luo Nyanza spend large amounts of money on funerals, which are considered a status symbol and a sign of respect for the deceased. This can lead to debt, poverty, or reduced investment in education or health. These behaviours can affect the personal welfare and development of the individuals and their families.
In conclusion, festivals and ceremonies have various impacts on the countryside, both positive and negative. Therefore, it is important to balance the costs and benefits of festivals and ceremonies, and to plan and manage them in a way that maximizes their positive impacts and minimizes their negative impacts.
