Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Festivities and their Celebration During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Case Study in the Latvian Context
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Festivities and their Celebration During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Case Study in the Latvian Context
Author(s): Oksana Kovzele, Ilze Kačāne, Maija GrizāneSubject(s): Politics, Geography, Regional studies, Governance
Published by: EUROREG - Uniwersytet Warszawski, Regional Studies Association - Sekcja Polska
Keywords: festive culture; traditions; re-evaluation; pandemic experience; Latvia (Latgale region)
Summary/Abstract: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges. Comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic experiences led to the re-evaluation of the role of festivities and their associated traditions. Through semi-structured interviews, people’s perceptions of festivities during the two-year-long period of repetitive social restrictions were investigated in Latvia (Latgale region). Data analysis revealed that the quality of festivities related to otherworldliness decreased. Celebration as a powerful practice for developing a sense of togetherness and experiencing collective joy was commonly acknowledged. Festivities were primarily perceived as a tool of socialization and collective identification, as well as an opportunity for entertainment and creative expression.
Journal: Studia Regionalne i Lokalne
- Issue Year: 24/2022
- Issue No: 90
- Page Range: 19-28
- Page Count: 10
- Language: English, Polish