Community-centred perspectives on intangible cultural heritage: authenticity and emotional experiences in Galicia s Festa do Boi

This study aims to explore the impact of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) on perceived authenticity and emotional experiences from the perspective of the local community. Using the case of the Festa do Boi, a 700-year-old tradition in Galicia, Spain, the research examines how ICH fosters community cohesion and collective identity while influencing both cool (objective) and hot (existential) dimensions of authenticity. The findings reveal that ICH enhances the sense of community, which positively affects the perceptions of authenticity and contributes to emotional experiences, particularly those associated with existential authenticity. These emotional experiences, in turn, significantly influence satisfaction within the community. By centering the role of the local population, this research highlights the essential contribution of communities in safeguarding and interpreting ICH, providing critical insights into balancing cultural tourism with heritage preservation.