The Role of Cultural Festivals in Promoting Social Cohesion and Cultural Understanding

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to investigate the role of cultural festivals in promoting social cohesion and cultural understanding. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of cultural festivals in promoting social cohesion and cultural understanding. Preliminary empirical review revealed that cultural festivals played a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and cultural understanding by preserving cultural heritage and promoting a sense of community among diverse populations. These events facilitated intercultural dialogue and interaction, helping to break down stereotypes and prejudices, and fostered a shared sense of identity and belonging. The inclusive nature of these festivals bridged social divides and strengthened the social fabric of communities, emphasizing the need for continued support to enhance social cohesion and cultural understanding in multicultural societies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Capital Theory, Cultural Identity Theory and Communicative Action Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of cultural festivals in promoting social cohesion and cultural understanding. The study suggested expanding Social Capital Theory to include cultural dimensions and integrating interdisciplinary approaches to understand the festivals' multifaceted impacts. Practically, it emphasized the importance of inclusive programming and regular evaluations to enhance social interactions and cultural exchanges. Policy-wise, it advocated for increased governmental support and integration of cultural festivals into urban planning. These contributions aimed to create more cohesive communities by recognizing the critical role of cultural festivals in social infrastructure.