In cultural festivals around the world, the presence of community elders is far more than symbolic—it’s foundational. Elders carry the history, traditions, and wisdom of their people, making them living bridges between the past and present (exploremesoamerican.blog). By honoring their needs and voices, festival producers not only show respect but also enrich the event’s authenticity and continuity. Whether it’s a powwow in Canada, a heritage food fair in Italy, or a music and arts festival in Indonesia, accommodating and involving elders can transform the atmosphere. It signals that the festival values every generation and recognizes elders as anchors of cultural identity.
However, honoring elders is not just about ceremony; it requires practical planning. From comfortable seating and easy access to giving elders an active role, thoughtful measures ensure older attendees and participants feel welcome and valued. The following guidelines offer actionable advice—gleaned from decades of festival production experience—on how to provide elders with the access, seating, and agency they deserve.
Comfortable Seating with Shade and Clear Sightlines
One of the simplest yet most impactful steps is to reserve comfortable seating for elders. Why make elders stand or sit on hard ground when they can be provided a supportive chair? Ensure there are sturdy chairs (preferably with backrests and armrests for ease of sitting and standing) reserved for older guests. Place these seats in areas that have excellent sightlines to stages or main attractions, so elders can clearly enjoy performances without obstruction. Whenever possible, create a dedicated Elders’ Viewing Area at major stages or parade routes.
If your festival is outdoors, shade is critical. Older individuals are more vulnerable to heat and sun, so situate elder seating under a canopy, tent, or trees. This not only keeps them comfortable but can prevent health issues like dehydration or heatstroke on hot days. For example, many community events in India and Mexico set up special tents or shaded pavilions for seniors during parades and ceremonies, ensuring they remain cool while observing the festivities. Even in smaller local festivals, consider something as simple as a beach umbrella or a portable canopy over the reserved elder seats.
Case in point: at a major rock festival in California nicknamed “Oldchella,” the festival organizers initially banned attendees from bringing chairs, which caused an uproar among the largely older audience. These fans knew standing for three long days would be difficult on their “hips, backs, knees and necks” (www.truthdig.com). The backlash forced the festival to reverse its policy and allow low-backed chairs in designated areas (www.truthdig.com). The lesson for any festival producer is clear – never underestimate the importance of seating for older attendees. Even at high-energy music festivals, providing a place to sit means elders (and anyone needing a break) can rest and then continue enjoying the event.
Take into account the terrain and layout as well. If the event is in a sprawling field or uneven ground, use platforms or flooring to create stable, level surfaces for elder seating areas. This prevents chairs from sinking into soil or wobbling on grass, making it safer. Mark the reserved seats with clear signage (e.g. “Reserved for Elders”) and instruct security or volunteers to help keep those areas available. Many festivals also allow an elder to bring a companion into the reserved area, so they aren’t isolated—be it a family member or a caregiver who can assist them.
Easy Transport and Accessible Facilities
Large festival sites or out-of-the-way venues can pose challenges for elders, especially those with limited mobility. Providing transportation assistance can make a huge difference. This might range from golf cart shuttles on festival grounds to dedicated parking and drop-off zones close to entrances. For multi-venue events in cities, arranging a shuttle van from central pickup points (like community centers or transit stations) is immensely helpful. In Singapore and Hong Kong, for example, some cultural expos coordinate minibuses to bring elder community members from senior centers straight to the event venue.
At massive gatherings like India’s Kumbh Mela – which attracts millions of pilgrims, many of them elderly – event organizers have even implemented a free pick-and-drop service for older attendees (economictimes.indiatimes.com) (economictimes.indiatimes.com). Volunteers and police assist seniors by picking them up from their homes, getting them to the festival site, and later returning them safely. While not every festival can mobilize such resources, the principle stands: make it as easy as possible for elders to get to and from your event. This could be accomplished by providing clear information on public transport options, partnering with rideshare services for discount codes, or simply reserving some parking spots close to the gate for vehicles with elder passengers.
Within the festival, consider mobility needs. If your event covers a large area (like a county fair or a music festival with multiple stages), think about offering on-site transportation. Golf carts, rickshaws, or small shuttles can ferry elders between key locations. Mark pathways clearly and avoid steep inclines or long flights of stairs on the main routes. If the venue has unavoidable distances, plan rest stops on the way—benches or shade where anyone can take a breather. Also, prioritize ground-level or ramp access for all major areas so that elders and wheelchair users alike can navigate without impediments (mychartspace.com) (mychartspace.com).
Another critical aspect is restroom accessibility. Place restrooms (toilets) in close proximity to the areas where elders will sit or spend time. Nothing is worse for an older person than having to trek far across a venue to find a bathroom. Ideally, provide accessible toilets (with grab bars and ample space) near the elder seating section or the main stage viewing platform. If using portable toilets, consider renting one or two high-quality ADA-compliant units and clearly label them for seniors or those with disabilities. Keep these units well-stocked and serviced throughout the event. If your festival has a VIP area, you might include elder accommodations as part of VIP perks so that older attendees can access cleaner, less crowded facilities.
Finally, communicate the available access options to elders and their families before and during the festival. In promotional materials or on the ticketing page, mention things like “Shuttle service available for seniors,” “Elder seating provided,” or “Easy-access drop-off point at the north gate.” This lets people plan ahead and signals that your festival is welcoming to all ages.
Dedicated Access Hosts and Support
Having all the right infrastructure (seating, shade, ramps, shuttles) is essential, but equally important are the people who will assist elders during the event. Designate a team of accessibility hosts or volunteers specifically tasked with elder care and accessibility services. These staff members act as friendly guides and problem-solvers for older attendees, ensuring that from arrival to departure, seniors have someone to turn to for help.
What can access hosts do? For starters, they can greet known elder guests at the entrance and escort them to the reserved seating or wherever they need to go. They should be ready to provide information patiently, as some elders might not hear or see signage clearly. An access host might help carry a senior’s food tray from a food stall to a table, fetch a bottle of water, or simply navigate through a crowd. Essentially, they are on-hand concierges for elder attendees, anticipating needs and being available for questions or emergencies.
Training is key here: brief your volunteers or staff on polite and respectful ways to assist. They should understand mobility aids (like how to fold a wheelchair or steady a walker), basic first aid, and the locations of all relevant facilities (nearest restrooms, exits, medical tent, etc.). Emphasize that their role is to empower the elder guests, not to patronize. Sometimes assistance is as simple as walking alongside an older person on an uneven path, or sitting for a chat if an elder seems lonely in the crowd.
In many festivals, youth volunteers are paired with elders in a “buddy system.” For example, at a community arts festival in Melbourne, Australia, festival organizers recruited high school students as festival buddies for senior attendees from local retirement communities. Each elder or small group of elders was matched with a student volunteer who stayed with them for part of the event, helping them navigate the exhibits and even taking photos for them. The result was two-fold: elders felt cared for and less overwhelmed by the event, and the young volunteers gained enriching intergenerational interaction. Similar buddy or “elder ambassador” programs can be implemented at cultural festivals, especially those that actively invite senior citizens to attend.
For elders who are invited as special guests or speakers (more on that shortly), it’s wise to assign a dedicated liaison from your team. This person ensures the elder speaker knows where to go, has any scripts or equipment needed, and is comfortable in the green room or backstage. If an elder artist or tradition-bearer is doing a workshop, the liaison can help gather materials and assist them in setting up. Think of this role as you would a VIP handler—someone to make the guest’s experience smooth and enjoyable.
Inviting Elders to Participate and Share Wisdom
Beyond logistics, true agency for elders means giving them an active role in the festival’s programming. Consider the wealth of knowledge and stories older generations hold. By inviting elders to introduce performances, lead ceremonies, or share contextual stories, you enrich the festival content and honor their status.
Many cultural festivals already incorporate this practice. For instance, in New Zealand, it’s common for a M?ori kaum?tua (respected elder) to kick off a festival with a Karanga or welcome speech, providing ancestral greetings and explaining the significance of the land and event to attendees. In Hawaii, a Hula festival might invite a k?puna (elder) to bless the stage and describe the lineage of the dances being performed. These moments set a respectful tone and give the audience a deeper appreciation of what they are about to witness.
Even in contemporary arts or film festivals, you can involve veteran community members. Is your festival screening classic films or showcasing traditional crafts? Invite a senior artist or expert to do a brief talk beforehand. For example, a film festival in Toronto once had an elder Inuit storyteller introduce a documentary about Arctic life, correcting misconceptions and adding personal context that a typical presenter could not. The audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive—the elder’s introduction turned the screening into a memorable cultural exchange rather than just passive viewing.
It’s also powerful to let elders tell their own stories. If you have a storytelling tent or an open mic segment, reserve a spot for elders to share a tale from “back in the day” related to your festival’s theme. At a food festival, this could be a grandmother describing an old family recipe featured at the event. At a heritage music festival, an elder musician might demonstrate an old style of playing an instrument before the younger band takes over.
When involving elders on stage or in workshops, make sure to accommodate their comfort there too. Provide a chair on stage if they prefer to sit while talking. Have a microphone ready so they don’t have to strain their voice. If they are not fluent in the main language of the festival, arrange for a translator or a co-presenter to help convey their message. Plan the schedule so they aren’t rushed—allocate a bit of extra time knowing that elders may speak more slowly or that the moment might carry special significance.
Such involvement should always be with the elder’s consent and enthusiasm. Some may prefer not to be in the limelight, and that’s okay. Offer opportunities, but let them choose their level of participation. The key is that elders who do want to contribute publicly are welcomed to do so, rather than being overlooked. Their presence can lend authority and authenticity to festival content—as custodians of tradition, they ensure that cultural elements are represented accurately and respectfully.
Fair Compensation and Public Credit
Honoring elders includes honoring their time and contributions. When you invite elders to take part in your festival—as performers, speakers, demonstrators, or even consultants—always compensate and credit their labor. Too often, events ask community elders to bless the event or share knowledge purely out of goodwill. While many elders are happy to volunteer, it’s important to remember that sharing wisdom is work, and in many cultures it’s customary to give an honorarium or gift in return (www.tamarackcommunity.ca).
When budgeting for your festival programming, allocate funds for elder honoraria. This doesn’t have to be extravagant; it should be commensurate with what you might pay other presenters or talent. Even if an elder says, “Oh, I don’t need anything,” consider providing a token of appreciation like a gift basket plus a modest payment or gift card. The gesture isn’t about money per se—it’s about respect and acknowledging that their knowledge has value. Many indigenous communities have protocols around this: for example, offering a symbolic gift (like tobacco, cloth, or a stipend) to an elder who conducts a ceremony is a sign of respect and reciprocity.
Also account for expenses: if an elder is traveling to your festival, cover their travel costs, provide transportation, meals, and if needed, lodging. For instance, if you’re flying in a tribal elder from a remote region to speak at a cultural conference or festival in another city, arrange comfortable accommodation for them and a travel companion. Small touches like a welcome at the airport, a per diem for meals, or an on-call driver make a big difference. These efforts show that your team doesn’t take their presence for granted.
Public recognition is another crucial aspect. Credit elders in your festival materials just as you would headline performers or VIP speakers. List their names and titles (e.g. “Grandmaster Weaver So-and-So” or “Elder Advisor of X Community”) in the program booklet, on the website, and when thanking sponsors and partners. If an elder opened the festival with a prayer or story, have the MC thank them by name afterwards for blessing the event. If they led a workshop, mention that session in news releases or recap blogs as a highlight, giving them due acknowledgement.
One, this recognition educates your audience about who these elders are—perhaps inspiring attendees to go speak with them or learn from them during the festival. Two, it treats elders as equal contributors to the festival’s success, which in turn encourages continued participation. Families and communities of the elders will also take pride in seeing their patriarchs and matriarchs honored on a public platform.
Keep in mind that agency also means letting elders decide how they want to contribute and how they wish to be acknowledged. Always ask permission before plastering someone’s name or photo everywhere. Some may prefer a quiet role; others might enjoy the spotlight. The goal is to make sure those who do step up to help the festival are rewarded, not just financially but in esteem.
Elders as Anchors of Authenticity and Continuity
Incorporating elders in all these ways isn’t just a nice gesture—it can be the factor that elevates a festival from good to truly meaningful. Festivals, especially cultural ones, are often about preserving and celebrating heritage (exploremesoamerican.blog). Having elders present and happy at your event inherently boosts its authenticity. They are the living memory of the culture, able to instantly verify if a ritual is done correctly or explain the significance of a song lyric that might otherwise be lost on younger generations. Their very attendance gives a sort of “stamp of approval” that the festival is rooted in real tradition rather than just commercial entertainment.
Elders also help bridge generational divides. A teenager at a festival might experience a profound moment hearing an elder share a story of how things were done 50 or 60 years ago. An adult might feel a sense of continuity seeing their aging parents still engaged and honored at a public celebration. This intergenerational connection creates a unique atmosphere that many modern events lack. In Mexico, for example, multi-generational families attend Day of the Dead or town fiestas together, with grandparents down to grandchildren all present. The best festival organizers enable that togetherness by making sure abuela and abuelo (grandma and grandpa) have a comfortable place to sit and are included in activities, so the whole family stays longer and enjoys the day.
There’s a pragmatic payoff as well. When elders are treated well at your festival, word gets around. Communities notice. Your event develops a reputation for respect and inclusivity, which can increase attendance and community support in the long run. Conversely, if elders are neglected or seem unwelcome, it can sour the public perception—nobody likes to see their community’s seniors struggling or disrespected in a space that’s supposed to celebrate culture.
From a continuity standpoint, engaging elders can help pass the torch of festival traditions. Perhaps an elder craftsperson teaches a few keen youths a traditional skill during a demo, or an elder musician mentors the festival’s house band on an old song. Those younger participants might carry that forward into future editions of the festival, thus keeping the cycle of knowledge going. Some festivals formalize this by having “Elder Emeritus” roles on planning committees or advisory boards, ensuring that each year there is guidance from veteran cultural holders.
In summary, elders embody the authenticity and continuity that cultural festivals strive for. They remind everyone why the festival exists in the first place – to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. When you, as a festival producer, champion elder inclusion and agency, you’re investing in the very cultural soul of your event.
Key Takeaways
- Provide Comfortable, Shaded Seating: Always reserve a section with plenty of chairs (with backs) for elders, ideally under shade and with a clear view of stages or main events. Comfort and good sightlines allow elders to enjoy the festival fully without fatigue.
- Ensure Easy Access and Transport: Make it simple for elders to reach and navigate the festival. Offer close-by parking or drop-off zones, shuttle services or golf carts for large venues, and place accessible restrooms near elder seating areas to minimize walking distances.
- Assign Support Staff or Volunteers: Designate “elder hosts” or accessibility volunteers to assist older attendees. These helpers can guide elders around the site, carry items, fetch water or food, and generally be on hand so that seniors feel safe and looked after throughout the event.
- Involve Elders in the Program: Empower elders by inviting them to participate in festival programming. Whether it’s giving a welcome address, introducing a cultural performance, leading a workshop, or sharing stories, their involvement adds authenticity and wisdom while giving them an active voice.
- Respect and Reward Their Contribution: If an elder contributes to your festival, compensate them with honorariums, travel assistance, or gifts as appropriate. Publicly acknowledge their role in schedules, onstage thank-yous, and marketing material. Always treat elder contributors as you would any VIP guest or key partner.
- Value Cultural Continuity: Remember that elders carry the continuity of tradition. Their presence and happiness at your festival can strengthen community bonds and enhance the event’s credibility. Prioritizing elder inclusion isn’t just about age accommodation—it’s about honoring culture and ensuring the festival’s spirit endures for generations.
27th September 2025