Umbrellas, incubators, mothers, and killers: Four types of relationship between cultural mega-events and small and micro events in heritage-rich European cities

This chapter examines the role of cultural mega-events initiating and growing this process as well as the unintended adverse effects it may introduce. The festivalization of cities can be seen as a desirable way to continue and extend the effects of a cultural mega-event past its close. Studies focused on events taking place in smaller towns/cities found a higher rate of economic return and ability to attract visitors than larger global cities. Umbrella events are those that tend to encompass and include many pre-existing smaller events while hosting a cultural mega-event, which does not leave a particular long-term impact on these events. The political dimension in particular seems to be an important aspect given that the planning and management of mega-events can strengthen some groups and constituencies as well as create agencies and new actors that influence the following phases both in terms of governance and more generally in defining the political agenda of the city.