Sports festivals as a gateway to leisure and tourism:  A phenomenological analysis of lived experiences

Tamiris Lima Patricio; Michele Viviene Carbinatto

doi:10.5585/2025.26933

Authors

Tamiris Lima Patricio University of São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3867-4302
Michele Viviene Carbinatto University of São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6598-9938

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5585/2025.26933

Keywords:

festival, event, tourism, sport festival, experiences, phenomenology

Abstract

Objective: Embedded within the broader system of "events," "festivals" stand out as social phenomena that can be part of diverse communities, extending their impact to individuals. Our focus has been specifically directed towards sports festivals, with a particular emphasis on the aspect of lived experiences. The objective of this study is to identify and examine the experiences of a cohort of adults who took part in a sports festival held in Austria in 2019, with a particular focus on exploring the leisure possibilities inherent in such events.
Method: In this study, we have employed a triangulation approach by cross-referencing qualitative data derived from various methodological sources, encompassing participant observation, phenomenological interviews, and visual methods.
Originality/Relevance: Sport has become a common leisure alternative, and combined with tourism, it has become the most popular leisure practice. After a scope review, recognizing the gap, this study seeks to integrate qualitative research—specifically a phenomenological approach—with a particular focus on the lived experience at a sports festival
Main results: Following the Phenomenological Analysis, we identified two salient units of meaning that are central to the objective of this article: A. "A great trip" and B. “Temporal Embodiment: Navigating Leisure Moments as a Communal and Individual Experience".
Theoretical/methodological contributions: This study reinforces the role of gymnastics festivals in human development by examining lived experiences and their transformative potential in diverse social groups. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing well-being, education, and inclusion through non-competitive sporting experiences.

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Author Biographies

Tamiris Lima Patricio, University of São Paulo

PhD from the University of São Paulo

Michele Viviene Carbinatto, University of São Paulo

Lecturer at the University of São Paulo (USP) - School of Physical Education and Sports, Department of Sports (DE link). Master's and doctorate advisor in the postgraduate course at EEFE/USP, concentration area "Sociocultural and behavioral studies of Physical Education and Sport". Graduate (2003) and Bachelor (2006) in Physical Education from the State University of Campinas (FEF/UNICAMP); Master (2006) in Physical Education from UNIMEP, Capes scholarship holder; PhD (2012) in Physical Education from EEFE/USP. Post-Doctorate (2019) at Teachers College at Columbia University (New York/USA). Research internships at Cardiff University (Cardiff/Wales) in January 2015 and at the Hochschule Fresenius at the University of Applied Sciences (Munich/Germany) in November 2016. He studied gymnastics at the Gymnastics and Sports Academy between January and May 2017 (Viborg/Denmark). Leader of the Gymnastics Study and Research Group (GYMNUSP). Leader of the Gymnastics for All Group at USP (GYMNUSP). She is Coordinator of the Gymnastics for All practice of the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation from 2013 to the present. Member of the Gymnastics for All Committee of the South American Gymnastics Confederation. Head of the Brazilian Delegation at Ginastrada Mundial in 2015, 2019 and 2023.

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