As explained in the article on authenticity in tourism, many tourism activities are examples of staged authenticity. This article briefly explains what staged authenticity is and then gives ten examples from around the world.
What is staged authenticity?
Staged authenticity is a cultural practice, event or activity that is ‘staged’ or adapted for tourists. It may be a tradition that is no longer part of everyday life, or one that has been modified to suit tourist expectations. The concept was introduced by sociologist Dean MacCannell in 1973, who argued that tourists searching for authentic experiences are often shown a ‘front stage’ version of local life, while the ‘back stage’ – real everyday life – remains hidden.
Below are ten examples of staged authenticity in tourism.
#1 Chinatown
Many big cities around the world have a Chinatown, and Chinese restaurants are popular almost everywhere. However, many dishes served in Western Chinese restaurants, such as chicken chow mein, sweet and sour pork and special fried rice, have been adapted to local tastes and differ from what is typically eaten in China.
Prawn crackers are a good example. Similar crackers (krupuk) are common in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia, but the prawn crackers served as a starter in British Chinese takeaways are rarely found on menus in China itself.
#2 St Patrick’s Day celebrations
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world with green clothing, leprechaun costumes and large quantities of Guinness. Many of these customs, including large-scale parades, actually developed among the Irish diaspora in the USA rather than in Ireland.
Today, the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin is a major tourist event, but the commercialised, costume-filled version of the day is far removed from how most people in Ireland traditionally marked the religious holiday.
#3 Bagpipes
Bagpipes are a symbol of Scotland, but only a small proportion of Scots play them.
Pipers in full Highland dress who perform on busy streets in Edinburgh or Glasgow are often doing so for tourists, while much of the imagery associated with Highland dress was popularised in the 19th century.
#4 Maasai cultural performances
The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania are famous for their red shukas, beadwork and jumping dances, and many safari itineraries include a visit to a Maasai village.
While many Maasai continue to live traditional pastoral lives, the village visits and performances offered to tourists are often staged or adapted, and many Maasai today also work in towns, run businesses or use mobile phones like people anywhere else. Visitors see a selected ‘front stage’ of Maasai culture rather than the full picture.
#5 ‘Long neck’ villages in Thailand
In northern Thailand, villages of Kayan women, who wear brass neck coils, are marketed to tourists as the ‘long neck tribe’. Many of the residents are refugees from Myanmar with limited rights to work or travel, and the villages have been criticised by human rights organisations as ‘human zoos’.
The coils create the appearance of a long neck by pushing down the collarbones and ribs. While the tradition has cultural roots, critics argue that it is now maintained largely because of tourism income – a clear example of the human zoo and the negative impacts of tourism.
#6 Running of the Bulls
San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain, famous for the Running of the Bulls, is a religious and cultural festival with roots in the Middle Ages.
Today it attracts huge numbers of international visitors, and for many tourists the festival is more about partying than tradition. While the bull runs still take place, the commercialised, party-focused experience is quite different from its original form.
#7 Flamenco dancing
A traditional flamenco performance in Andalusia is well worth watching. However, some resorts offer cheap evening entertainment with simplified, commercialised ‘flamenco’ shows that bear little resemblance to the authentic art form, which is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
#8 Dungeon tours
Attractions such as the London Dungeon are popular days out, especially for families, but they are prime examples of Disneyfication: historical events are replaced with role-play, actors, special effects and thrill rides.
This is entertaining, but it is a dramatised version of history rather than an authentic one.
#9 Favela and township tours
Tours of Brazilian favelas, South African townships, Indian slums and similar communities can be insightful, and some are run by local residents to benefit the community.
However, visitors are likely to see a selected version of daily life. Guides choose the routes and stories, and tourists rarely see the full reality of life in these communities. Such tours also raise ethical questions about poverty tourism.
What visitors see may well be real, but it is unlikely to be the whole story.
#10 ‘Traditional’ Thai green curry
Thai food served abroad – and in many tourist restaurants in Thailand – is often adapted for foreign visitors, with less chilli and more sugar than local versions.
Authentic Thai food can be extremely spicy, and dishes served to locals may taste quite different from those offered to tourists.
Staged authenticity: To conclude
These ten examples show how tourism can shape, adapt and sometimes create cultural experiences for visitors. Staged authenticity is not always negative – it can protect private life and generate income – but it is important for tourists and tourism managers to understand what they are seeing.
Staged authenticity: FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about staged authenticity.
What is staged authenticity?
Staged authenticity is when a cultural practice, event or activity is staged, adapted or recreated for tourists, giving them a ‘front stage’ version of local life.
Who came up with the concept of staged authenticity?
Sociologist Dean MacCannell introduced the concept in 1973, drawing on Erving Goffman’s ideas of front stage and back stage.
What are examples of staged authenticity?
Examples include cultural performances for tourists, adapted food in tourist restaurants, commercialised festivals, themed attractions such as dungeons and village tours.
Is staged authenticity always bad?
No. It can generate income and protect communities’ private lives, but it can also lead to commodification of culture and misleading impressions.
What is the difference between staged authenticity and Disneyfication?
Disneyfication refers to sanitising and theming places or history for entertainment, which is one form of staged authenticity.
Further reading
If you found this article helpful, the following posts may also be of interest:
- Authenticity in tourism
- The human zoo explained
- What is cultural tourism?
- McDonaldisation explained
- Social impacts of tourism
