ABSTRACT
Chapter 3 explores how urban rituals foster belonging and inclusion in three diverse cities: Geneva, Turin and Montreal. Cities use rituals to attract residents, tourists and investors, while also promoting civic engagement and social cohesion. The chapter analyses eight case studies, categorised by their degree of institutionalisation and historical ties, to understand how rituals create or challenge inclusion. Three rituals are examined in Geneva, a multicultural city with a fragmented sense of belonging, exacerbated by high mobility and divisions (e.g., foreign residents, cross-border commuters and international workers). Turin, once an industrial hub, now faces social and economic transformations; two rituals are highlighted here. Three rituals are discussed in Montreal, a city of super-diversity that grapples with linguistic, cultural and socio-economic divides. The chapter concludes that urban rituals, whether institutionalised or spontaneous, play a crucial role in shaping collective identity and inclusion to a territory. Their success depends on balancing tradition with adaptability, ensuring they resonate with diverse populations and evolving urban contexts. The analysis underscores the importance of rituals in building inclusive, cohesive communities in pluralistic societies.
