Festivals and Events in Latin America

Closes:

Submit your paper here

Introduction

Festivals and events are crucial for community cohesion, cultural preservation, and economic growth (Devesa et al., 2012; Hafstein, 2018; Getz et al., 2010), yet they confront challenges like crises, sustainability, inclusivity, decision-making, and technological adaptation (Sánchez-Aguirre & Van Winkle, 2022; Subramaniam et al., 2022; Ong et al., 2022; Bär et al., 2022; Volpi et al., 2020). While most academic literature originates from the Global North, recent research has begun to focus on the Latin America (e.g., Calderón-Acero, 2020; Melo et al., 2021; Peirano, 2021; Sánchez-Aguirre et al., 2018), mainly in Spanish and Portuguese. Few studies are in English (e.g. Gutiérrez & Wagenberg, 2013; Peirano, 2016) or address the region's specific context, often emphasizing its relationship with the Global North (e.g. Amiot-Guillouet y Lozano, 2019; VanWinle et al., 2023). 
This special issue seeks theoretical articles, comparative perspectives, and innovative practices from any country in the region, addressing topics like tourism, sustainability, social cohesion, intersectionality, inclusivity, decision-making, digital transformation, and heritage preservation.

Latin America boasts a vibrant tapestry of festivals and events that weave together the region's rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and contemporary dynamics. These celebrations serve as focal points of community cohesion, cultural preservation, and economic growth, shaping the identity and reputation of various locales throughout the continent. From the colorful Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro to the solemn Semana Santa processions in Guatemala, or the day of the death celebration in Mexico,  Latin American festivals encapsulate a spectrum of emotions, beliefs, and experiences that reflect the region's multifaceted history and influences.

The upcoming special issue focusing on "Festivals and Events in Latin America" endeavors to offer a comprehensive exploration of these dynamic cultural phenomena. Our objective is to provide scholars and enthusiasts alike with a platform to delve into the significance, effects, and development of these festivities, shedding light on their sociocultural, economic, and environmental dimensions. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, we aim to illuminate the complexities and nuances inherent in Latin America's festival landscape, inviting deeper inquiry and understanding.

At the heart of this initiative lies a recognition of the profound impact that festivals and events have on the fabric of Latin American societies. They are not merely occasions for revelry and entertainment but serve as catalysts for social cohesion, fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity among communities. Moreover, these celebrations play a pivotal role in preserving intangible cultural heritage, passing down age-old traditions from one generation to the next amidst a rapidly changing world.

However, alongside their cultural significance, Latin American festivals also wield considerable economic influence, serving as magnets for tourism and economic growth. From small-scale local gatherings to large-scale international spectacles, these events attract visitors from far and wide, injecting vitality into local economies and providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment. Yet, this economic boon is not without its challenges, as festivals grapple with issues of sustainability, inclusivity, and decision-making in an increasingly globalized world.

Furthermore, as Latin America continues to undergo rapid urbanization and societal transformations, the role of festivals in shaping the urban landscape and community dynamics becomes increasingly pronounced. Festivals are not confined to the realm of tradition, but are also sites of innovation and adaptation, reflecting evolving social norms and technological advancements. Thus, understanding the interplay between festivals and urban environments is crucial for creating sustainable, inclusive cities that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of their inhabitants.

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this special issue seeks to address the multifaceted nature of festivals and events in Latin America, exploring their contributions to goals such as good health and well-being, sustainable cities and communities, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities. By examining the challenges and opportunities presented by festivals through a critical lens, we aim to chart a path towards sustainable development and the overall well-being of the communities they inhabit.

Through interdisciplinary research and diverse perspectives, we endeavor to deepen understanding of the significance and impact of festivals in Latin America, contributing to both scholarly discourse and public awareness of this rich and dynamic aspect of the region.

List of topic areas

  • tourism
  • sustainability
  • social cohesion
  • intersectionality
  • inclusivity
  • decision-making
  • digital transformation
  • heritage preservation

Guest Editors

Driselda P. Sánchez-Aguirre, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias de la Tierra, UNAM, México City, Mexico. [email protected]

Ilia Alvarado-Sizzo, Instituto de Geografía UNAM, México City, Mexico. [email protected]

Domingo Martínez, LIIGH-UNAM, Queretaro, Mexico. [email protected]

María Paz Peirano, Facultad de Comunicación e Imagen. Universidad de Chile, Chile. [email protected]

Alice Leoti, Universidad Federal do Pampa, Brasil. [email protected]

Submissions Information

Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Author guidelines must be strictly followed.

Submit via ScholarOne

Author Guidelines
 

Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Festivals and events in Latin America” 

Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.

Key deadlines

Opening date for manuscripts submissions: June 2nd, 2025.
Closing date for manuscripts submission: September 16th, 2025.