The term festivity is used to refer to those acts or cultural events in which the human being prepares to celebrate, thank, commemorate or honor certain circumstances. We consider it cultural since the festivities always have to do with the way in which each society understands the world, with its spirituality, with its technology, with the development of an abstract and emotional mentality. Holidays are especially different from one society to another, and this is precisely what has to do with culture and not with the natural habits that all human beings develop.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when listening to holiday? For many people it is synonymous with a day off, a party and even vacations, but the truth is that some of the most important celebrations are becoming so commercial, that our proud holidays are in danger of becoming trivial, as we lose sight of their true meaning. .
The festivities are characterized in general terms as being large events in which a community participates in a complete or majority way. The objective of the festivities is to show appreciation, commitment or devotion, as well as to commemorate a certain event, ask for something or simply get together to enjoy an important date.
As said, each society has very particular festivities and different from those of the others, which have to do with the way in which that society understands the world that surrounds it. Even the globally assimilated holidays of the West such as Christmas or New Years are celebrated and celebrated differently by each society or region. Many times, the festivities can be religious, many others have to do with the history of a region, with the men who built the future, as are national holidays.
Holidays matter
The festivities represent a fundamental piece of the culture of each region. They remind us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and what we can become. If we ignore them we are damaging the foundation of our identity.
Commemorating historical events reinforces values such as freedom, faith, integrity, good education, responsibility, citizenship, and ethics. It also provides us with a forum to showcase role models and appreciate the things that really matter to a country, such as remembering important battles and their heroes. Another reason why it is important is that it offers us the opportunity to appreciate the contribution that someone has made in favor of society.
The holidays allow us to honor the principles of our founders, celebrate diversity, unite as a country, and create lasting memories for our families and friends. Finally, they offer us an excellent context to take a meaningful pause and reflect.
A reflection of the identity of each society
The festivities are something specific to each society. While it is true that there are important dates that are celebrated almost everywhere in the world, such as the New Year or Labor Day, most countries and their communities commemorate different historical and religious events in a very particular way; Such is the case of the Day of the Dead in Mexico, where families usually place altars with flowers, candles and food, under the belief that their relatives who have died will return on the night of November 2 to enjoy food, to later continue on his way.
Holidays are not only public, they can also be private. As the family is the basis of society, it is common to celebrate important dates for its members, such as birthdays or mourning anniversaries, among others, which are also a good reason to meet and share. Getting involved in our family parties is necessary to maintain our attachment to traditions and it is a way of knowing our personal history, thereby strengthening our identity.
What holidays do you usually celebrate in your family?
The festivities as tourist attractions
Just as our festivities are a source of pride for us, one of the main attractions when we visit another place are the popular festivals. Be it a wedding, the arrival of the harvest, a religious holiday or a national ceremony, witnessing them, getting involved in them and above all understanding their origin, is a great way to explore a new culture from a local point of view. These experiences are very enriching and make us appreciate diversity, in addition to providing us with memories that will last a lifetime.
In addition, it is important to mention that these events contribute to generating economic spillovers in each destination, benefiting all its inhabitants.
As citizens we must strive to take advantage of every opportunity at our disposal to reinforce principles and beliefs. The consumer world in which we live today makes us sometimes take certain values for granted and as a result our identity has been diluted. It is important to promote respect for our festivities from home, because that is where the formation of the citizens of the future begins.
Finally, it is also important to mention that the festivities can also be public and private. Many parties and celebrations have to do with important dates within a family group: weddings, births, baptisms, graduations. And on many occasions, these high-profile events bring together various family members and can even last for several days of celebration.
