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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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Story by SMA! Volunteer by North Macedonia

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Story by SMA! Volunteer by North Macedonia

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This is from our team at Tallinn on our last day. The fun we had cannot be put into words! I hope we'll have many more project in the future

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The visits to the festivals were, without a doubt, the most valuable part of the program. They gave us an opportunity to see beyond the events themselves, to connect with the places and people that form the heart of these gatherings. Castelbuono, in particular, offered a striking parallel to Haldern, revealing how festival work extends far beyond the days of music and celebration. It’s not just about the event—it’s about the town, the people, and what happens in the quieter moments between festivals.

In Castelbuono, the year-round relationship between the festival and the community became evident. The festival isn’t just a burst of activity; it’s woven into the life of the town. This connection reminded us of the ongoing efforts in Haldern, where the festival’s impact resonates long after the music stops. It became clear how crucial the "in-between" time is, a period to nurture the spirit of collaboration, prepare for the next chapter, and ensure the festival remains an integral part of the town’s identity.

One moment captured this spirit perfectly. Stefan’s photo of Gianfranco with the local nonne tells a story of generosity and community. These women, with warm smiles and open hearts, offered their small church as a backstage and storage space for the festival’s backline equipment. They asked for nothing in return. It was a gesture that spoke volumes—a simple act of kindness underscoring the deep connection between the festival and its surroundings.

This story of Castelbuono reminded us why festivals matter so deeply: they are not just events; they are living, breathing collaborations between people, places, and time. It’s the shared trust, the small acts of support, and the collective effort that make them so much more than a stage for music—they become a stage for life itself. By Haldern Pop, staff

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Participating in study visits and exchanges with other festivals has been a valuable experience for Turismo Vivencial. We gained insights into sustainable event models, strategies for using local resources, and effective volunteer management. Observing how other festivals promote local culture and integrate the community inspired us to adapt these ideas for more authentic experiences in our own projects. This exchange also strengthened our network, opening doors for future collaborations and underscoring the importance of working together to drive responsible tourism and local development. Overall, it gave us practical tools and a clearer vision for sustainable, community-centered tourism. One memorable story Guadalupe shared with us from the Haldern Pop festival highlights the community’s strong, intergenerational involvement. She met a father and daughter who had been volunteering at the festival together since she was a child. Now grown, she continues to participate, and even brings along her own children to help. This family’s commitment shows how deeply rooted the festival is within the community, connecting generations through shared experiences. This moment illustrates the festival’s impact on fostering local ties, unity, and a sense of legacy among its people. You could certainly use a general photo from the festival that captures the family-friendly and community-centered atmosphere. A picture showing families or volunteers working together would help visually communicate the essence of the story—highlighting how the festival brings generations together. This image can represent the continuity and involvement of locals, adding a powerful visual to complement Guadalupe's story.

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Benefits have come from hands-on experience managing certain specific aspects, which the three partners handle in different ways. Each of the three approaches has its own positive features. Studying these three experiences has offered valuable insights on how to improve the management of those. At Haldern Pop, one standout feature is the deep involvement of the local community. Local families and residents actively contribute by managing backstage operations, placing the community at the heart of the organization. This strengthens the bond between the community and the festival, ensuring a sustainable future and a smooth generational transition within the organization in the coming years. As for D Festival, we observed an effective coordination of volunteers. Volunteers come from all over Europe to Macedonia and are involved in targeted activities, benefiting from the exchange of knowledge from various parts of the world. This approach offered volunteers opportunities for growth through international learning and collaboration.

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Questa foto è speciale perché già trovare l'occasione di scattarla è stata una impresa in sé! L'essenza di questo gruppo sta nel ritrovarci insieme ogni anno, sotto l'ombra del Castello di Castelbuono, e pensare a quei giorni a Tallinn come a un punto di partenza di un percorso di condivisione e crescita molto più grande che stiamo costruendo tutti insieme.

The essence of this team lies in gathering each year under the shadow of Castelbuono Castle, reflecting on those days in Tallinn as the starting point of a much larger journey of shared growth and connection that we are all building together.

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Our journey through the program was a lesson in contrasts and connections. We explored how festivals in rural areas face challenges that often mirror each other but can also be shaped by deeply specific, local circumstances. Each place brought its own unique flavor to the art of festival-making, yet there was a shared thread: the incredible resilience and creativity required to bring people together in celebration.

One of the most insightful parts of this journey was learning how to collaborate with international partners, each with their own working culture. The experience was both challenging and enriching, teaching us the value of adaptability and the strength that comes from diversity in approaches.

The picture here captures a pivotal moment from the ESNS conference, where we dove into the importance of volunteering in the festival world. Denmark emerged as a shining example, where volunteering isn’t just a concept—it’s woven into the national fabric. In Denmark, everybody volunteers! This cultural norm has paved the way for incredible successes, like the iconic Roskilde Festival. It’s a testament to how collective effort and a shared sense of purpose can create something extraordinary.

As we reflected on these insights, one thing became clear: whether in rural areas or on an international stage, the key to success lies in the people.

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Participation in SMA!’s study visits and knowledge exchanges with other festivals has brought substantial benefits. By observing diverse festival approaches, our team has gained insights into sustainable practices, volunteer coordination, and creative programming strategies that have been invaluable for our festival’s growth. For instance, learning about a festival’s community engagement initiative inspired us to attract more volunteers and people/artists who want to participate and engage in the festivals and project activities, which strengthened our ties with local artists and drew new visitors. One memorable experience was a hands-on session focused on volunteer management, where we learned techniques to motivate volunteers and recognise their efforts. Implementing these ideas improved volunteer satisfaction and commitment, making our festival operations more cohesive and enjoyable for everyone involved.

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Sveta Bar, a venue that I understand does not exist anymore, was like a meet up spot for all of the participants of the program. There, we have shared many insights from the training, gathered to recommend artists from the showcase program, enjoyed our company and got to know our trainers even better! Such a great memory and a place that well-rounded our learning and visiting experience.

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Story by SMA! Volunteers from North Macedonia

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Story by SMA! Volunteers from North Macedonia

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Story by SMA! Volunteer by North Macedonia

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Story by SMA! Volunteer by North Macedonia

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Nothing much. The image speaks for itself :^). Although i had plenty of fun line slacking which was around the corner from the place this image was taken.Met a ton of people doing that.Big ups 👍