Think of it this way: researching local events is useful, but it is not always the main driver of destination validation.
For many, especially with a tight budget like mine, the priority remains cost and logistics.
For example, if I need to go to Dakar for an exam, I will look for the cheapest accommodation and the most practical transportation, regardless of the festival.
Events can enrich, but they can also become an obstacle if prices soar, so it is a conditional factor, not always decisive.