Yup we are what we are because of our ancestors. We must respect them !
It seems to me that most traditions a relic of the past. Many of these traditions are associated with religion. The less faithful, the less will be old and useless traditions. It is impossible to move forward constantly looking back.
A tradition is not only religious, it can be something as ordinary as a traditional cake your mom used to make. The Scotts wear traditional Kilts, in Germany there's traditional Oktoberfest with girls serving beer in traditional Bavarian dresses. In the USA you have Halloween, Thanksgiving and many other traditional days of celebration and customs. Some are relics that we could forget about, but many are an important part of our culture.
You are right. It seems to me that the folk tradition does not involve politics and religion will live, and those which are imposed artificially disappear.