The construction of belonging and otherness in heritage events

This chapter focuses on concepts of identity-work that reflect a binary process of expressing self-identification, and thus belonging, while simultaneously drawing borders from ‘Others’. An increased awareness of tourism benefits for developing localities across Europe has been correlated with an increase in the allure of heritage festivals and the ‘the proliferation of smaller-scale and specialised festivals in different national and local settings’. R. Harrison has noted that intangible cultural heritage practices, including festivals, are activities during which people engage with ‘producing culture’ and, on occasion, transforming their localities. Festivals and heritage practices can be identified as expressions of Authorised Heritage Discourse, becoming the target of heritage policies at a national and transnational level. The Proetnica estival’s core is centred around staged performances, which generate a sense of belonging as discussed further. In a similar manner, the ethos of Proetnica, inspiring intercultural dialogue and enhancing awareness and participation in diverse heritages, falls short of its aims.