GenZ Speaks: Storytelling Alchemy and How Brands Can Transform Cultural Festivals into Narratives

The Mooncake Festival, often called the “Reunion Festival,” goes beyond mooncakes and lanterns. It’s a cherished occasion where families and friends come together under the moonlight, fostering stronger bonds and reuniting with loved ones. It’s a time not just for savouring delicious mooncakes but also for treasuring connections and togetherness.

Southeast Asia hosts a vibrant array of festivals. Grand parades, lion dances, and family gatherings mark Chinese New Year. Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with lamps, rangoli art, and sweets. Hari Raya Aidilfitri brings Muslims together for forgiveness and feasts. Thailand’s Songkran Festival is a water-fight extravaganza. Thaipusam involves carrying ornate structures as an act of devotion. Vesak Day commemorates Buddha’s life with temple visits and lanterns.

This month, the youngest experts from PRecious share how brands can skillfully weave storytelling into their PR and brand narrative to convey the cultural significance behind these local festivals and customs.

Explore how brands resonate with diverse audiences through inclusivity and commitment to cultural celebrations. From campaigns to community impact, discover the keys to brand success.

From Traditions to Treats: Creating Powerful Cultural Connections

Haagen-Dazs offers a shining example of effectively intertwining storytelling with cultural traditions. Through their innovative approach, they’ve crafted exquisite ice cream mooncakes, fusing classic flavours with a contemporary twist. These delectable creations pay homage to the Mooncake Festival’s time-honoured customs while adding a delightful twist. Haagen-Dazs, in a masterful stroke, wove their brand narrative into this cultural celebration by underlining their unwavering commitment to premium indulgence.

Their messaging revolved around presenting their top-tier ice cream as a luxurious yet genuinely authentic way to embrace the festival’s spirit. It connected their brand to cherishing special moments with loved ones. In doing so, Haagen-Dazs solidified its image as a brand deeply attuned to and respectful of cultural traditions, all while offering a unique, high-quality product ideally suited for festive occasions.

Soh Sin Yee, Junior Client Executive, PRecious Communications

Harnessing Nostalgia: The Emotive Power in Narratives

Emotions are a powerful catalyst for a deeper and more memorable connection with brand narratives. Emotions, being universal, transcend cultural boundaries. To amplify the festive ambience surrounding local traditions and customs, invoking nostalgia within customers is an exceptionally potent strategy. However, nostalgia can hinder growth if overindulged. Brands must balance nostalgia with forward-looking optimism to wield its influence effectively.

Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac supplier, adeptly weaves this strategy into its Mid-Autumn campaign. The campaign aims to evoke cherished moments of family reunions, making Hennessy an integral part of the celebration and enhancing its brand identity.

Hennessy’s commitment to preserving traditions mirrors its timeless legacy, much like the enduring tradition of appreciating the moon and Chinese culture. Additionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival holds special significance for Hennessy as it symbolises connectivity, akin to the historical role of mooncakes in conveying messages during the Ming Dynasty, echoing Hennessy’s role as a loyal companion connecting friends and families across generations worldwide.

Alex Nguyen, Junior Client Executive, PRecious Communications

Bridging Cultures: Nurturing Cultural Unity Through Festivals

Brands that genuinely resonate with their target audience and establish authentic connections often reap significant benefits, including increased sales and heightened brand awareness. They must adopt a holistic approach that transcends mere keyword utilisation to achieve this. It’s crucial to craft campaigns that seamlessly integrate the festival’s essence with their products or services, striking a balance that feels both natural and respectful while honouring the cultural event. 

Demonstrating long-term commitment by consistently creating relevant content year after year is essential. While some brands may target specific festivals due to budget constraints or alignment, striving for inclusivity remains paramount. Recognising and celebrating a variety of festivals not only demonstrates fairness but also expands a brand’s reach and impact.

An exemplary illustration of this approach is Cadbury’s #ShopsForShopless campaign during Deepavali. By leveraging technology to support and empower street hawkers without permanent stores, Cadbury celebrated the festival and left a positive imprint on the community.

Karin Zabrina Lai, Client Executive, PRecious Communications

Cultural Heritage in Every Purchase: Weaving Myths and Memories

Tapping into enduring cultural mythologies holds immense significance. Each year, the retelling of these timeless tales serves as a testament to humanity’s resilience and enduring spirit. When families and friends come together during festive occasions, they carry with them the traditions of the present and the profound legacy of their ancestors. This fusion of past and present creates a tapestry of cultural continuity that enriches our lives.

Brands have a unique opportunity to infuse these enduring myths into the core of their campaigns. By seamlessly blending these narratives into their goals, brands can evoke a mystical sense of connection to our collective history. Picture a holiday season where the very essence of celebrations revolves around honouring these deep-rooted connections and the cultures nurtured throughout the ages.

In such a scenario, brands would not merely be selling products but participating in a larger narrative. They would become storytellers, contributing to preserving and propagating cultural heritage. This approach resonates with consumers profoundly emotionally and fosters a sense of cultural pride and unity. It transforms holidays into more than just commercial events; they become celebrations of our shared human journey through time.

Chelsea Lee, Junior Client Executive, PRecious Communications Malaysia

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