Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6, 237-250 2024 Publisher: Learning Gate DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate * Correspondence: tayad@kfu.edu.sa The impact of emotional solidarity on festivals visitors' satisfaction. Does the festival authenticity matter? Tamer Hamdy Ayad1,2*, Ahmed M. Hasanein1,3, Meril Ghaly2,4 1Management Department, College of Business Administration, King Faisal University, 380 Al-Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia; tayad@kfu.edu.sa (T.H.A.). 2Tourism Studies Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt. 3Hotel Management Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, Helwan University, Cairo 12612, Egypt. 4The Higher Institute for Specific Studies, Tourism Studies Department, Misr El Gedida, Egypt. Abstract: Festivals offer more than just entertainment, it considered a powerful platform for emotional connection and cultural exchange. This study explores the impact of emotional solidarity on festival visitors' satisfaction. It also examines the moderating role of festival authenticity in the relationship between emotional solidarity and festival visitors’ satisfaction. Quantitative approach using 456 self- administered questionnaire directed to festival visitors in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal that all three dimensions of emotional solidarity welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding have a direct and significant positive impact on visitors' satisfaction. Furthermore, festival authenticity plays as a moderator between emotional solidarity dimensions and festival visitors’ satisfaction. The study discusses both theoretical and practical implications of these findings for festival organizers and tourism researchers. Keywords: Authenticity, Emotional closeness, Emotional solidarity, Festivals, Sympathetic understanding, Visitors satisfaction, Welcoming nature, 1. Introduction Festivals are becoming increasingly significant as means of fostering a sense of community, identity, and revenue in addition to serving as a means of ensuring the acceptance of specific cultural discourses [1]Additionally, festivals can provide a platform for places to demonstrate their intangible cultural heritage, local customs, and cultural landscapes[2,3]. Festivals offer a venue for interaction between locals and tourists [4].[5,6]state that the perceptions of festivals, ceremonies, artifacts, apparel, food, and attractions by visitors are explained in terms of authenticity. Therefore, it is critical to understand how festival attendees' authenticity contributes to the growth of emotional solidarity and satisfaction in the hosting destination.Despite the growing interest in social solidarity antecedents (emotional closeness, sympathetic understanding, and welcoming nature) to justify the relations that are formed between residents and visitors and their impact on visitor satisfaction [e.g.,7,8,9].The moderating effect of authenticity on the relationship between social solidarity antecedents and visitor satisfaction is still unexplored.Therefore, to fill in this gap, the current study aims to develop a model to examine the influence of social solidarity antecedents on visitor satisfaction. Moreover, investigating the moderating effect of authenticity on the relationship between social solidarity antecedents and visitor satisfaction. Filling this gap could provide valuable insights for festival organizers, aiming to create memorable experiences for festival attendees. 238 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate 2. Theoretical Background and Hypothesis Development 2.1. Emotional Solidarity The theoretical context of emotional solidarity was first articulated by Durkheim (1915). As per Durkheim's (1915) theory, when people are interacting with each other and sharing the same physical space, they develop a sense of solidarity due to their shared behaviors and beliefs [10]. Likewise, emotional solidarity was defined by Durkheim as a feeling of "togetherness," or an emotional connection among group members [7].In Tourism industry this concept is utilized to evaluate the level of closeness or intimacy that exists between visitors and locals[9,10].Many academics (e.g.11-14)have referred to the social solidarity model created by[16], which composed of three dimensions:first dimension is Emotional closeness,which occurs when locals feel a connection with the visitors and become friends with some of them[16], the second dimension is Sympathetic understanding occurs when the locals feel a strong sense of affinity, compassion, and understanding for the visitors; they identify with them and feel they have much in common[16]. Further, many academics [e.g.14,15,9] pointed out that sympathetic understanding indicates the empathy that the visitors feel towards locals, [18] have also added that sympathetic understanding refers to destination citizens experiencing sense of similarity with and familiarity to visitors and their understanding and support, The third dimension Welcoming nature can be illustrated as the level of visitors’ feel warmth from the locals [14,9,16]. [18] have even argued that feeling welcomed refers to the contribution of visitors to the city’s economy and citizens taking pride in their local area. Consequently,[7] reported that all three emotional solidarity factors were positively related to visitors’ satisfaction with their travel experience. The previous study also revealed that the emotions between tourists and locals determined tourists’ satisfaction. Similarly, the studies [9,8] of have declared that the relationship between visitors and local residents influences visitors’ satisfaction. 2.2. Satisfaction Satisfaction is known as a favorable evaluation of a consumption experience leads to a mild emotional state [19]. Satisfaction, according to Fornell, is a comprehensive emotion that can be interpreted as the expression of the customer's attitude towards the general experience of the product or service they have got, expressing how much they liked or disliked it overall [20].The study of[21], refereed to satisfaction as one crucial factor in evaluating festival attendees' experiences.Moreover,the study of [22] pointed that the overall satisfaction often reflects the cumulative influence of different items of the whole trip, including both tangible and intangible elements like attractions, hospitality accommodations, food, and transportation. Additionally, [23]argued that visitor satisfaction is still one of the most discussed variables in the tourism literature, and it is a major factor in determining behavioral outcomes like loyalty and revisit intention. Likewise, the results study of [24]showed there are positive relationships between visitor satisfaction, loyalty, and well-being. Besides [25] who conducted a study on 822 Polish visitors who visited the Croatian coast to evaluate the visitor’s satisfaction, their loyalty, and revisit intentions to the destination, the study revealed that visitor satisfaction had a positive impact on revisit intention in the entire sample. Many scholars[26,27]refereed that highly satisfied visitorsare more likely to return and recommend it to others. 2.3. Authenticity Authenticity refers to the emotions, ideas, desires, requirements, preferences, and thoughts about oneself, which are translated into manners that are in line with those experiences [28]. While, according to [29,30] authenticityis a process by which something—an event, role, object, site, or product—is confirmed as ''original," ''real,genuine, or ''trustworthy.'' Authenticity is classified according to Ning Wang into constructive authenticity, existential authenticity, and objective 239 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate authenticity[31].According to [18] emotional solidarity occurs after the visit or experiences a personal bond with the kind and thoughtful warmth of the home host as boosted by the authentic experience.Besides,[32] has even argued that authenticity is considered a core feature of the emotional life of a person.Further, authenticity is a significant issue in tourism literature because it understood to affect visitors’ satisfaction with an experience or an attraction site [33-35]. Empirical findings of several studies [e.g.,36,37]indicate that authenticity influences satisfaction. The study conducted by [38] declared that visitors’ perceptions of destination authenticity in Taiwan influenced their overall satisfaction of their experience at the destination. Going with the previous idea, the studies of[19,39] argued that visitors authenticity at a destination influences their satisfaction of the destination.Drawing from previous analyses of the extensive literature, the ensuing conjectures may be advanced: H1: "Welcoming Nature-WN" directly and significantly affects "Tourist's Satisfaction-TS". H2: "Emotional Closeness-EC" directly and significantly affects "Tourist's Satisfaction-TS". H3: "Sympathetic Understanding-SU" directly and significantly affects "Tourist's Satisfaction-TS". H4: "Authenticity-AUTH" moderates the connection between "Welcoming Nature-WN" and "Tourist's Satisfaction-TS". H5: "Authenticity-AUTH" moderates the connection between "Emotional Closeness-EC" and "Tourist's Satisfaction-TS". H6: "Authenticity-AUTH" moderates the connection between "Sympathetic Understanding-SU" and "Tourist's Satisfaction-TS". Figure 1. Conceptual framework. 3. Materials and Methods 3.1. Study Constructs Based on the literature reviews, the scale that was used in the current study to measure the variables were adopted. Three sub-factors—welcoming nature (measured by two items), emotional closeness (measured by two items), and sympathetic understanding (measured by four items)—were used to quantify emotional solidarity. These components were taken from[16] Five items were used to 240 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate measure visitor satisfaction, which was taken from [40] Authenticity was assessed using a six-item scale adapted from [41].The fact that every variable's scale displayed strong reliability values above 0.876 lends credence to the soundness of the scale selection. 3.2. Population and Sample Size Visitors to festivals in Egypt and Saudi Arabia make up the study's population. [43] states that since there is no verification of official data and accurate statistics on the exact number of attendees at festivals in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, so studies with an unlimited population would have to base its sample size on an estimated population of 20,000 people. The sample size for this study was established using Stephen Sampson's formula, which is shown below [44]. For this reason, 372 people should be the minimal sample size for the current study. 𝑛 = 𝑁𝑥𝑝(1 − 𝑝) [[𝑁 − 1 𝑥(𝑑2 ÷ 𝑧2)] + 𝑝(1 − 𝑝)] Where "p" stands for the probability distribution, "z" for the degree of confidence (95%), "N" for the population size, and "n" for the sample size. 3.3. Data Collection For the current study, a self-administrated questionnaire using a quantitative technique was used to collect primary data from festival attendees. During the Riyadh Season Festival in Saudi Arabia and the El Alamein Festival in Egypt in 2024, 485 visitors completed the questionnaire, which was reviewed and modified by a group of experts and academics. A total of 456 questionnaires were filled out, resulting in a 94% response rate. A great care was taken when distributing the questionnaires to our commitment to ethical considerations towards the visitors participating in the survey, by giving them the freedom to express their opinions, preserving their right to the confidentiality of their personal data. The four sections of the questionnaire are designed to suit the objectives of the research. The questionnaire's first section asked for demographic data, and the next three sections asked about the three variables this study looked into: emotional solidarity (which is divided into three sub-factors); tourists' satisfaction; and authenticity. Each variable's items were to be evaluated by the respondents using a 5-point Likert scale. 3.4. Analysis Techniques The analysis of descriptive data and the exploration of study sample's demographic characteristics were carried out using Excel 2010 and SPSS version 24. Additionally, PLS-SEM version 4.1.0.6 was employed to tests of research hypotheses and an investigation of the correlations between all variables. 4. Results 4.1. The respondents’ Characteristics The majority of participants in this study were male (%55.3), the age range was wide, but %71.3 of the sample aged between 16 years old and below 46 years old. The educational experiences of the study sample varied, but the majority were university graduates (%67). Meanwhile, While the economic capabilities of the study participants were very good, with an average monthly income of between US$1001 to US$ 2000 (%68.2 of the sample), and most of the sample individuals had their first experience with visiting festivals (%73.9). See Table 1. The data exhibited greater spread and lower intensity around its mean, with mean values ranging from 3.14 to 3.66 and standard deviation (S.D.) scores between 0.988 and 1.002. Furthermore, skewness and kurtosis values did not exceed ±2, providing evidence for univariate normality [45]. 241 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Table 1. Respondents’ demographic features. Profile N Frequencies Percent Gender Male 456 252 %55.3 Female 204 %44.7 Age (Below 16-years) 456 106 %23.2 (16-Years - below 26-years) 145 %31.8 (26-Years - below 46-years) 180 %39.5 (46-Years and above) 25 %5.5 Marital status Single 456 115 %25.2 Married 296 %64.9 Other 45 %9.8 Education Middle school or below 456 23 %5.2 High school graduate 127 %27.8 Bachelor degree 292 %64 Master degree 10 %2.2 PhD degree 4 %0.8 Experiences of festival attendance One time before 456 337 %73.9 2 - 3 times before 119 %26.1 4 times and more 0 %0 Monthly income Less than US$500 456 27 %5.9 US$501 - US$1000 78 %17.1 US$1001 - US$2000 311 %68.2 US$2001 and more 40 %8.8 4.2. Measurement Model (Outer Model) 4.2.1. Convergent Validity Convergent validity was evaluated to verify the construct reliability and validity of the model. The results showed that all items' reliability was greater than 0.7, satisfying the [46] recommended threshold. Furthermore, all study variables' composite reliability (CR) was above 0.7, meeting the standards set forth by [45,46]. Additionally, all variables had Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values were above 0.5, in accordance with [47] recommendation. These results show that the model is valid and dependable. For more details, see Table 2. Table 2. Convergent validity. Variables Item Loading α AVE CR Welcoming nature [16] "WN1" 0.949 0.885 0.747 0.921 "WN2" 0.784 "WN3" 0.942 "WN4" 0.764 Emotional closeness [16] "EC1" 0.958 0.923 0.928 0.963 "EC2" 0.969 Sympathetic understanding [16] "SU1" 0.852 0.929 0.817 0.947 "SU2" 0.956 "SU3" 0.850 242 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate "SU4" 0.951 Tourist's satisfaction [40] "TS1" 0.949 0.886 0.690 0.916 "TS2" 0.951 "TS3" 0.852 "TS4" 0.863 "TS5" 0.852 Authenticity [41] "AUTH1" 0.854 0.876 0.614 0.902 "AUTH2" 0.848 "AUTH3" 0.965 "AUTH4" 0.949 "AUTH5" 0.790 "AUTH6" 0.951 4.2.2. Discriminant Validity To enhance confidence in the model's results and conclusions, we confirmed that all variables differ from one another, demonstrating the model's discriminant validity [48]. We employed the Fornell- Larcker criterion and cross-loadings approaches for this verification. Refer to Tables 3 and 4, as well as Figure 2, for details. Table 3. Fornell-Larcker criterion results. Variables WN EC SU TS AUTH WN 0.912 EC 0.648 0.898 SU 0.622 0.612 0.908 TS 0.444 0.553 0.783 0.884 AUTH 0.548 0.644 0.566 0.542 0.864 Note: * The bolded values indicate the square root of the average variance extracted. The results presented in Table 3 indicate that each variable explains the variance of its components more effectively than the other factors in the proposed model, in line with the findings of[47,46] This reinforces the model's discriminant validity. Table 4. Cross loading results. WN EC SU TS AUTH WN-1 0.949 0.642 0.538 0.651 0.431 WN-2 0.784 0.652 0.424 0.384 0.543 WN-3 0.942 0.424 0.538 0.464 0.644 WN-4 0.764 0.532 0.464 0.582 0.616 EC-1 0.556 0.958 0.640 0.452 0.626 EC-2 0.557 0.969 0.674 0.663 0.559 SU-1 0.716 0.656 0.852 0.716 0.463 SU-2 0.557 0.680 0.956 0.715 0.664 SU-3 0.569 0.555 0.850 0.683 0.668 SU-4 0.644 0.562 0.951 0.724 0.722 TS-1 0.714 0.712 0.674 0.949 0.662 243 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate TS-2 0.662 0.712 0.626 0.951 0.679 TS-3 0.664 0.717 0.719 0.852 0.682 TS-4 0.618 0.622 0.761 0.863 0.711 TS-5 0.712 0.661 0.539 0.852 0.661 AUTH-1 0.619 0.444 0.552 0.676 0.854 AUTH-2 0.558 0.512 0.614 0.669 0.848 AUTH-3 0.522 0.641 0.512 0.641 0.965 AUTH-4 0.554 0.481 0.569 0.652 0.949 AUTH-5 0.862 0.684 0.659 0.581 0.790 AUTH-6 0.722 0.655 0.458 0.616 0.951 The findings presented in Table 4 validate the discriminant validity of the model, which is consistent with [49]. More weight is placed on each item's corresponding construct than it is on any other variables in the model. Figure 2. The outer model. 4.3. The Inner Model (Structural Model) 4.3.1. R²-Coefficient of determination To assess the model's capacity to forecast the variance in the dependent variable based on the independent variables, we used the R² test. Table 5 indicates that the independent variables "WN,""EC," and "SU" account for a significant amount of variance in the dependent variable "TS," exceeding the recommended cutoff of 0.67 as suggested by [50] 244 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Table 5. R² Scores of the dependent variables. Variables R² Level "Tourist's satisfaction-TS" 0.929 High 4.3.2. Effect size (f²) To assess the individual influence of each exogenous latent variable on the endogenous latent variable, we employed the f² test. The results in Table 6 indicate that the effect sizes of the exogenous latent variables "WN,""EC," and "SU" on the endogenous latent variable "TS" range from medium to large, following the criteria established by Cohen (1988). Table 6. f² Results. Constructs TS Effect WN 0.192 Medium EC 0.674 Large SU 0.151 Medium 4.3.3. Goodness of Fit of the Model (GoF) To confirm that the study proposed model qualifies as a globally use comprehensive fit measure model, a goodness of fit test was conducted across the measurement, structural and overall model performance levels, as proved and recommended by Chin (2010): GoF =√R2x AVE GoF = 0.839 It is possible to infer that GOF of proposed model is sufficiently enough to be deemed adequately standing for a global PLS model, based on the recommended point of reference proposed by Wetzels et al. (2009) and goodness of fit test result. Figure 3. The final model. 245 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate 4.3.4. Assessment of Hypotheses "Significance of Path Coefficients" To assess how well the suggested theoretical model compatible with the primary data, test of path coefficients significance was performed. Below is a summary of every hypothesis test result. For more details, see Table 7 and Figure 4. Table 7. Path coefficient of the study hypotheses. Hypothesis (Paths) Relation S. beta S.E T P Findings H1: Welcoming nature -> Tourist's satisfaction Direct 0.318 0.101 3.148 0.002 Supported H2: Emotional closeness ->Tourist's satisfaction Direct 1.373 0.225 6.102 0.000 Supported H3: Sympathetic understanding - >Tourist's satisfaction Direct 0.101 0.037 2.729 0.000 Supported H4: Authenticity x Welcoming nature -> Tourist's satisfaction Indirect 0.111 0.075 1.48 0.000 Supported H5: Authenticity x Emotional closeness ->Tourist's satisfaction Indirect 0.968 0.201 4.816 0.000 Supported H6: Authenticity x Sympathetic understanding ->Tourist's satisfaction Indirect 0.157 0.013 12.076 0.000 Supported The SEM results (Tables 6 and 7) and the three proposed hypotheses (Figure 1). As demonstrated by Figure 3 and 4, "WN" positively and significantly impacts "TS" [Effect size= 0.192, Std.-Beta = 0.318, "P"-Value = 0.002], "EC" positively and significantly impacts "TS" [Effect size= 0.674, Std.-Beta = 1.373, "P"-Value = 0.000], and "SU" has a direct impact on "Q-L", that is both positive and significant [Effect size= 0.151, Std.-Beta = 0.101, "P"-Value = 0.000], so the first three hypotheses were accepted. Moreover, "AUTH" moderates the effect of the connection between "WN" and "TS" [Moderation-Effect-size= 0.111, "P"-Value = 0.000], "AUTH" moderates the effect of the connection between "EC" and "TS" [Moderation-Effect-size = 0.968, "P"-Value = 0.003], and "AUTH" moderates the effect of the connection between "SU" and "TS" [Moderation-Effect-size = 0.157, "P"-Value = 0.000]. Consequently, as the moderating relationships were significant, so hypotheses H4, H5, and H6 were accepted. 246 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Figure 4. Significance of path coefficients. 5. Discussion and Implications This study investigates the impact of emotional solidarity on festival visitors’ satisfaction, with a focus on how different components of emotional solidarity including welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding directly influence satisfaction, as well as how festival authenticity moderates these relationships.The findings of the study support H1, H2, andH3, demonstrating that each dimension of emotional solidarity including welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding has a significant positive effect on tourist satisfaction. These dimensions align with the concept of emotional solidarity introduced by[14] , which is based on Durkheim’s theory of social solidarity. Emotional solidarity is key in fostering connections between festival visitors and local hosts, promoting a sense of belonging and satisfaction[4] The study’s results also provide valuable insights into the moderating role of festival authenticity, supporting H4, H5, and H6. Authenticity plays a crucial role in enhancing the positive effects of emotional solidarity including welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding on visitor satisfaction. Several studies have shown that when visitors perceive a festival as authentic, the welcoming nature of the hosts is more impactful.Confirming the contribution of[53] who argued that the perceived authenticity of an event fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the host community, making the hosts' welcoming behavior seem more genuine and meaningful. When authenticity is high, welcoming gestures are perceived not as mere formalities but as expressions of local tradition and hospitality, thus significantly enhancing visitor satisfaction. Furthermore, Authenticity also plays a critical role in strengthening the relationship between emotional closeness and satisfaction. Confirming with the study of [54] who found that perceived authenticity enhances visitors’ sense of emotional closeness to the local culture and people, leading to a more satisfying experience. In terms of the moderating role of authenticity in the relationship between sympathetic understanding and visitor satisfaction, agreeing study by[55] suggested that when festivals are perceived as authentic, visitors are more likely to feel that the host community genuinely understands their needs and emotions, leading to higher satisfaction. 247 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 6: 237-250, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i6.2047 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate The research implications are twofold theoretical and practical. From a theoretical perspective, the current study contributes to the growing body of literature on emotional solidarity and festival tourism. By examining the interaction between emotional solidarity and festival authenticity, the study broadens the understanding of how social and cultural factors jointly influence festival experiences. Previous research has emphasized the role of emotional connections in tourism satisfaction, but this study adds depth by exploring the moderating role of authenticity. Future research could build on this by investigating other potential moderating factors, such as festival size, visitor demographics, or the cultural background of the attendees.On a practical level, the findings have important implications for festival planners, destination marketers, and local communities. To improve visitor satisfaction, festival organizers should focus on creating authentic, culturally rich experiences that foster emotional solidarity. This could involve promoting local traditions, encouraging community involvement, and designing interactive events that facilitate meaningful interactions between visitors and the host community. Ensuring that festival elements align with local cultural values will not only enhance authenticity but also strengthen emotional bonds, leading to higher visitor satisfaction and potentially greater repeat attendance. Moreover, destination marketers, should adopt marketing strategies through emphasizing both the emotional and cultural aspects of festivals. Highlighting the unique, authentic cultural experiences that a festival offers, while also showcasing opportunities for visitors to connect with locals and other attendees, can attract more tourists who are seeking meaningful, emotionally fulfilling travel experiences. 6. Conclusion This study has explored the significant role of emotional solidarityspecifically welcoming nature, emotional closeness, and sympathetic understanding in enhancing festival visitors' satisfaction. The findings confirm that these components of emotional solidarity positively affect how visitors perceive and enjoy their festival experience. Additionally, the study highlights the moderating role of festival authenticity, demonstrating that when festivals are perceived as authentic, the positive effects of emotional solidarity are amplified. Authenticity reinforces the emotional bonds between visitors and the host community, leading to deeper engagement and higher satisfaction. This underscores the importance of cultural and experiential authenticity in festival planning and tourism strategies.Overall, this research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on tourism satisfaction by showing how emotional solidarity and authenticity intersect to shape the visitor experience. Festival organizers and destination marketers can benefit from these insights by fostering emotionally rich, authentic cultural experiences that enhance visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat attendance. 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