Festivals of Light: How Design Builds Collective Identity

Festivals of Light: Building Collective Identity Through Design

From Malmö’s Eurovision celebration to small-town winter festivals, light has become the universal language of belonging. Beyond beauty, festivals of light strengthen civic identity, create shared rituals, and turn public spaces into stages of collective emotion.

Light as a Language of Collective Memory

Light has always been tied to collective emotion — from ancient rituals celebrating the solstice to modern festivals that mark civic pride. According to research by UNESCO’s “Cities of Light” (2022) program, public lighting projects that include storytelling elements strengthen local identity by up to 40% in perceived community belonging. When cities illuminate their heritage, they don’t just highlight buildings — they highlight shared values.

The Social Dimension of Light

Festivals of light are no longer passive spectacles; they are participatory cultural experiences. Research by the European Placemaking Observatory (2023) highlights that cities hosting annual light festivals experience a measurable increase in public engagement, local business activity, and tourism satisfaction. But beyond economics, the social value is even stronger: people associate illuminated spaces with safety, optimism, and togetherness.

Take Jerusalem’s Botanic Garden Light Park (2024) by MK Illumination Israel. The theme “Animals Awakening at Dusk” wasn’t just an artistic concept — it became a narrative about hope and resilience. More than 150,000 visitors experienced it in two months, making it one of Israel’s most unifying cultural events during challenging times. Light, in this context, was not a product — it was a symbol of connection.

Design as Identity and Belonging

Urban lighting design has entered a new era: it’s not just about brightness or aesthetics, but about belonging. In Slovenia, MK Illumination’s collaboration with the City of Bled transformed the lakeside town into a living storybook — with glowing installations inspired by local legends: the Bled knight, the cream cake, the pletna boat. Each sculpture told a story rooted in place, transforming light into a medium of cultural storytelling. When light design aligns with heritage, it creates pride, attachment, and long-term recognition. The result: the city becomes more than a destination — it becomes a shared narrative.

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