Gastronomy and identity in tourism development: The role of festivals in the province of Cordoba

As a major vector of local intangible heritage, festivals can foster innovative processes that create and consolidate local businesses, increase jobs for women and young people, enhance the enjoyment of natural and cultural heritage, and provide prime opportunities for intercultural dialogue with visitors. They are also a time to produce unique, authentic cuisine using dishes and beverages that the author has inventoried for the Province of Cordoba. The culinary specialties offered at these events differentiate territories and highlight their local particularities, i.e., their authenticity. Unfortunately, this gastronomy has evolved towards fusion food and, unlike two to three decades ago, no longer uses exclusively local products. Globalisation has passed through here too, weakening regional identities. This is the issue emerging in the Province of Cordoba (Andalusia, Spain) and analysed in this chapter.