Identity and difference in the folklore of the Iberian Peninsula. Recovery of the traditional folklore heritage

Abstract

On the basis of the racial and cultural mix that characterises the inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula, a process of elaboration and development of their folklore has taken place. This process is also marked by the African contribution, clearly seen in rhythms, melodies and even some harmonies. The ways in which folklore has spread have been diverse in nature. One way is through religious influence, another is through the movement of temporary workers who travel from some areas to others to find seasonal work in agriculture, or more recently in the service sector, for example, in hotels.

Today’s thinking about development requires a full perspective, in which culture brings a fundamental background for processes of change and progress.

Cultural policies appear as key elements in strategies of full development, and require articulation with other social and economic policies. Is this regard, in the formulation of cultural policies, optimization of the processes of information, documentation, and research should be enhanced. This arises from the need and constant demand of having at our disposal data which will allow a better knowledge of the cultural reality of the countries where we are going to develop our work in order to act more appropriately in the definition and implementation of these policies.

We must foster the empowerment of the human resources that will put into practice the different strategies aimed at obtaining this objective, enabling the acquisition of greater skills for the design, management and participation in cultural processes, and from this work we intend to respond to this need and enhance these aspects.

recovery of traditional heritage; folklore; cultural manifestation; cultural promotion; cultural policies; strategies of development; full development.