Holiday Definition

The term festivity is used to refer to those acts or cultural events in which the human being prepares to celebrate, thank, commemorate or honor certain circumstances. We consider it cultural since the festivities always have to do with the way in which each society understands the world, with its spirituality, with its technology, with the development of an abstract and emotional mentality. The festivities are especially different from one society to another, and this is precisely what has to do with culture and not with the natural habits that all human beings develop.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear a holiday? For many people it is synonymous with a day off, party and even vacation, but the truth is that some of the most important celebrations are becoming so commercial that our proud festivities are in danger of becoming trivial, as we lose sight of their true meaning. .

The festivities are characterized in general terms for being large events in which a community participates completely or in the majority. The objective of the festivities is to show gratitude, commitment or devotion, as well as commemorate a certain event, ask for something or simply get together to enjoy an important date.

As said, each society has very particular festivities and different from those of the others, which have to do with the way in which that society understands the world that surrounds it. Even the globally assimilated festivities of the West such as Christmas or New Year are celebrated and celebrated in a different way by each society or region. Many times, the festivities can be religious, many others have to do with the history of a region, with the men who built the future, such as national holidays.

holidays matter

The festivities represent a fundamental piece of the culture of each region. They remind us that we are part of a story that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we can become. If we ignore them we are damaging the foundation of our identity.

Commemorating historical events reinforces values ​​such as freedom, faith, integrity, good education, responsibility, citizenship and ethics. It also provides us with a forum to showcase role models and appreciate the things that really matter to a country, such as remembering important battles and their heroes. Another reason why it is important is that it offers us the opportunity to thank the contribution that someone has made in favor of society.

The festivities allow us to honor the principles of our founders, celebrate diversity, unite as a country, and create lasting memories for our families and friends. Finally, they offer us an excellent context to pause meaningfully and reflect.

A reflection of the identity of each society

The festivities are something specific to each society. Although it is true that there are important dates that are celebrated in almost the entire world, such as the New Year or Labor Day, most countries and their communities commemorate different historical and religious events in a very particular way; such is the case of the Day of the Dead in Mexico, where families tend to place altars with flowers, candles and food, under the belief that their relatives who have died will return on the night of November 2 to enjoy the food, and then continue on your way.

The festivities are not only public, they can also be private. Since the family is the foundation of society, it is common to celebrate important dates for its members, such as birthdays or death anniversaries, among others, which are also a good reason to meet and share. Getting involved in our family festivities is necessary to maintain our attachment to traditions and it is a way of learning about our personal history, thus strengthening our identity.

What holidays do you usually celebrate in your family?

Festivals as tourist attractions

Just as our festivities are a source of pride for us, one of the main attractions when we visit another place are the popular festivals. Whether it is a wedding, the arrival of the harvest, a religious festival or a national ceremony, witnessing it, getting involved in it and above all understanding its origin, is an excellent way to explore a new culture from a local point of view. These experiences are very enriching and make us appreciate diversity, as well as provide us with memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition, it is important to mention that these events contribute to generating economic benefits in each destination, benefiting all its inhabitants.

As citizens we must strive to take advantage of all the opportunities at our disposal to reinforce the principles and beliefs. The consumerist world in which we live today sometimes makes us take certain values ​​for granted and as a result our identity has been diluted. It is important to encourage respect for our festivities from home, because that is where the training of the citizens of the future begins.

Finally, it is also important to mention that the festivities can be private as well as public. Many parties and celebrations have to do with important dates within a family group: weddings, births, baptisms, graduations. And on many occasions, these events of great importance serve to bring together several members of the family and can even last several days of celebration.

Following