Comparison of the Economic and Socio-Cultural Effects of Traditional Festivals in Transylvania and Hungary

Abstract

The article presents the differences between the Hungarian and Transylvanian traditional festivals in terms of economic and socio-cultural effects. Thanks to the common historical past of the two areas, many similarities can be discovered in cultural values and heritage, but the social and economic characteristics of each region are different, which is also reflected in the field of cultural tourism. Using the methodology of media research, the study examines 25-25 festivals in Transylvania and Hungary, and then organizes the results according to six aspects: development of local economic life, employment structure, change in value system, development of network, expression of creativity and innovation, local community organizations. In addition to a number of similarities, the most important differences can be observed in the following areas: accommodation services, fostering regional and cross-border relations, and the form of stakeholder involvement.