Religious Festivals in Contemporary Southeast Asia

The essays explore embodied narratives in which the connections between religion and nationalism, globality and locality, tourism and politics are drawn. While religious festivals are expressions of communal faith, they empower as well political, social, and economic networks. Emphasizing the Philippines, the essays demonstrate how religious festivals are windows into the identity of their observers as well as their participants. As extraordinary occasions where transgressive behaviors may be played out and displayed publicly, festivals negotiate cultural identities.

Published in 2016.