Festivals in Quebec:: Economics vs local identity a case study of an International Folklore Festival

There are a multitude of fetes and festivals in Quebec. Although not that long ago festivals were seen only in terms of their economic impact, they are now considered by some as a tool for promoting changes in local identity. But the issue is not that simple. When a festival is organized, there is no automatic guarantee that it will be repeated and will colour the local identity of a community. A case study of folklore festivals, and particularly the Drummondville International Folklore Festival, was fertile ground for exploring the issue. Organizing a festival means juggling budgetary 'constraints (neg otium) and the abundance of leisure activities and enjoyment offered (otium). Choosing an appropriate site, mobilizing local volunteers and attracting tourists are ingredients that are vital to ensuring a healthy self-financing margin. Economic issues, however, are only one aspect of the problem. The development of a festive atmosphere, the insertion of local residents into new social networks and the feeling of being at the heart of an adventure that goes beyond everyday boundaries have contributed to refreshing the image of the community under investigation.