2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Reconciling Light Contents Tourism and Dark History: A Case Study of Witch-Themed Tourism and Its Conflicts
| Project/Area Number |
22K18100
|
|---|
| Research Institution | Kanazawa University |
|---|
Principal Investigator |
THELEN TIMO 金沢大学, 歴史言語文化学系, 講師 (90837452)
|
|---|
| Project Period (FY) |
2022-04-01 – 2025-03-31
|
| Keywords | Tourism |
|---|
| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
Witch tourism and heritage are an important economic and cultural factor for the Harz region, especially the annual Walpurgis night parties on May 1st, that could after the Covid-19 be held again in 2023. The dark history of witch hunts is remembered in the shape of a memorial plate, what could reconcile the different stakeholders. Besides this, the cities of the Harz region created variations of their Walpurgis night parties that serve different interests and so avoid conflicts.
|
| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Two fieldworks trips to the Harz region were done in the fiscal years 2022. These trips allowed the collection of ten qualitative interviews with local stakeholders of witch tourism and heritage. An article to present preliminary results was written and is currently under review. However, additional research is necessary.
|
| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
One or two fieldwork trips to the Harz region are planned for the fiscal year 2023. While many important stakeholders have already served as interviewees for this study, there are some more that can provide valuable insights into the research topic. Also, a presentation of preliminary results at an academic conference is planned, as well as the penning of another article.
|
| Causes of Carryover |
Some research activities became slightly delayed. The travel situation was yet complicated due to Covid-19.
|
