Jérémie Voirol

Ethnography of ordinary festive experiences
Entertainment, institutionalisation and performances in the indigenous fiestas of the region of Otavalo (Ecuadorian Andes)

My PhD topic deals with the ordinary experiences of the fiestas by the indigenous kichwa-speaking people of the region of Otavalo, from an anthropological and pragmatist perspective. I am focusing on the articulation between entertainment and institutionalisation: indeed, some fiestas have been reappropriated by the indigenous elite, which attempts to institutionalise them highlighting their serious and pre-Columbian dimensions. However, the spontaneous aspects of fiestas (alcohol, music, dance) remain fundamental for the ordinary indigenous people. In this context, the attention to how are performed the different fiestas allows me to emphasize the tensions between entertainment and institutionalisation.

Sub project B
Cultural heritage, art and visual performances in non-western societies