The relationship between residents' perceptions towards festivals and social psychological variables: The case of Adana Orange Blossom Festival

Festivals, evaluated as significant attractions for destinations, are social phenomena that provide income and employment opportunities for the local population. Festivals that can breathe life into a destination are public events or themed celebrations that can involve a high level of commitment, diversity, and represent socially or culturally complex occurrences when regularly repeated. Festivals that influence the experiences and behaviors of the local population represent various components such as the destination where they are held, the facilities they offer, the range of products, and promotion. These components shape the festival environment and can affect participants' perception, satisfaction levels, commitment, or loyalty. Festivals, through the benefits they provide to the local population, become sustainable events that significantly influence repeat participation and recommendation tendencies, thus garnering support from the public. Researchers are studying the social, cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of festivals due to their importance. In this context, the purpose of the study is to examine whether the perceptions of the local population regarding the social impacts of festivals, social psychological attitudes, and community loyalty have an effect on supporting festivals. A quantitative research method was used in the study. Data were collected from 397 local residents of Adana through a survey form using convenient sampling technique. The collected data were evaluated through hypothesis analyses. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that the social benefit, community loyalty, and social psychological attitude variables have a significant positive impact on supporting festivals. On the other hand, it was found that the social cost dimension and negative social psychological attitude dimensions do not have a significant impact on supporting festivals. Keywords: Festival, Social Effects of Festivals, Community Commitment, Social Psychological Attitude, Supporting Festivals, Adana Orange Blossom Festival.