Ritual dynamics of a Northern Irish festivalscape

In this ethnography of an ephemeral public art installation in Derry-Londonderry Northern Ireland, we examine a festivalscape ritual that leads to personal and social transformation. The event, coordinated by global and local actors and co-created by sectarian participants, became a material forum for the expression and resolution of grief resulting from decades of internecine conflict. We analyze the ritual dynamics that gave rise to, maintained, and dematerialized the festivalscape; explore activities integral to the festivalscape; summarize the managerial implications of the ritual complex; and suggest future research to deepen insight into such a ritual.