Storytelling in Metaverses: Exploring an Immersive Chronotope at the Intersection of Time and Digital Space

This chapter explores the metaverse phenomenon through the lens of the Fiestas del Pilar event in Zaragoza, Spain, providing an in-depth analysis of its online manifestation, www.ofrendadeflores.com . Employing a qualitative methodology, the research relies on digital anthropology, specifically virtual ethnography, to examine the metaverse’s impact on physical reality. The metaverse, designed as a responsive website since 2020, features a virtual flower offering, a 3D space replicating Plaza del Pilar, and a flower route using augmented reality. The analysis reveals a successful fusion of digital and physical elements, emphasizing user experience, accessibility, and community engagement. The study identifies the significance of the chronotope, a unified space–time concept, in shaping user immersion and cultural identity within the metaverse. The metaleptic storytelling, blurring the lines between virtual and physical, enhances the cognitive engagement of participants. The findings contribute to understanding metaverses as more than mere simulations, emphasizing their potential to generate real-world events and cultural practices. Future research should delve into cognitive processes and the role of digital twins in shaping cultural identities in these digital spaces.