Perceived impact of music festivals on the development of the hosting cities: a case study of Carpino Folk Festival

This paper focuses on effects of music festivals on the cities that host them as perceived by the local population and the organizers. The paper uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the effects in terms of recreation/socialization, culture/education, tourism, internal revenue generation, natural resources, external revenue generation, community pride/spirit and image creation/change. The design of the research is a case study on the Carpino Folk Festival in the Foggia area (Italy). An interview with the organizers of the festival have been conducted. Subsequently, a questionnaire about the same topics have been prepared and handed in to a sample of 150 people from Carpino. The research has found that the festival has had a remarkable impact on the community of Carpino in all aforementioned fields. Nevertheless, the perceptions of the festival slightly varied between organizers and residents. Both parties agree that the festival improves the image of the city and boosts sales of most of the local shops, cafés and restaurants. Concerning the cultural aspects, festival organizers are sceptical about the local youth’s interest in folk music; but the results of the questionnaire show how Carpino’s youth, instead, enjoys and engages in tradition-related activities. Limitations of the research and suggestions for further research are also discussed.