The Role of Schools in Facilitating Traditional Festivals to Preserve Cultural Heritage: A Study in West Sulawesi Province of Indonesia

Background/Objective. This study aims to explore the role and identity of collaboration in traditional festival performances in one of Indonesia's provinces, West Sulawesi. In the midst of the rapid pace of globalization, maintaining cultural identity is very important to foster social cohesion in society and educate future generations about existing local cultural values. Traditional festivals, with their involvement in social and educational life, play an important role in preserving culture and strengthening local identity. Material/Methods. This study used a case study research design with semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with key representatives who have deep experience and are directly involved in implementing the traditional festival as an annual event to gain insight into the cultural dynamics and collaboration involved in implementing the festival. Results. The findings of the study show that traditional festival performances in these communities serve as a means of shaping community identity in response to globalization. This festival is also an effective medium in preserving local cultural values that have been passed down from previous generations to the current generation. In addition, the performance is recognized as an important form of learning for students to understand and appreciate their local culture and traditions. Conclusions. Although this study was limited to interviews as a data collection method, these findings highlight the importance of traditional festivals in introducing, promoting, and preserving local cultural identities and strengthening social cohesion in the midst of changing times. The festival also has a strategic role in education by providing the younger generation with deeper insight into their cultural values and traditions.