Traditional and Modern Forms of Synergies Between Cultural and Tourism Sectors: Challenges and Opportunities for Greek Folk Festivities Promoting Traditional Products

The paper examines the concept of culture in its modern dimension, its relation to the traditional civilization and intangible cultural heritage, and finally festivals as traditional institutions promoting traditional products on the market. In this paper, two traditional festivals/festivities promoting traditional products are being studied: the “Chestnut Feast” and the “Melizazz Festival” both located in Arcadia (Peloponnese, Greece), areas of special natural beauty and cultural interest. From the study of the two above cases conclusions are drawn and questions are raised regarding the improvement of these kind of feasts in order to be a part of the tourist product for the benefit of the local sustainable growth and the cultural tourism packages as well.