Popular festivals and equality: Towards the end of traditional discriminations?

Abstract

The study analyzes the conflict between tradition and the principle of equality in popular festivals, particularly in cases where women are excluded from events or spaces, assigned differentiated roles, subjected to dress-related restrictions, or have limited participation in decision-making. It examines figures such as festival queens and the necessity of their modernization. Regarding the scope of equality in festive and religious associations, the privatization of festivals in the Basque Alardes has been used as a means to circumvent the prohibition of discrimination. However, the situation is likely to change with the recent STC 132/2024, which places restrictions on discrimination in associations with a dominant position in the cultural, festive, and religious spheres. It should be remembered that discrimination comes at a cost due to the obligation of public administrations to guarantee equality in subsidies, contracts, permits, or the occupation of public spaces. The impact on equality of recognizing festivals as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is also analyzed.