Special Effects in Viceregal Festivities in New Spain and Peru

Festivities in the two major American viceroyalties inherited traits from theri forerunners in mainland Spain, which they resembled in may ways. However, the human and cultural contexts were different, so the metropolitan people were replaced by indians and Castes. Each detail in the celebrations ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Author: Alberro, Solange
Format: Article
Status:Published version
Publication date:2010
Country:México
Institution:COLMEX
Repository:Historia Mexicana
Language:Spanish
OAI Identifier:oai:oai.historiamexicana.colmex.mx:article/1723
Online Access:https://historiamexicana.colmex.mx/index.php/RHM/article/view/1723
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:New Spain
Peru
festivities
indians
castes
viceroyalties
Nueva España
Perú
festividades
indígenas
castas
virreinato
Description
Summary:Festivities in the two major American viceroyalties inherited traits from theri forerunners in mainland Spain, which they resembled in may ways. However, the human and cultural contexts were different, so the metropolitan people were replaced by indians and Castes. Each detail in the celebrations carried different messages to awaken in all urban sectors different representations and emotions that would eventually exalt in everybody imperial order in all its facets. These representantion and emotions spanned from admiration to the most rustic hilarity  and childish tenderness, thus the relevance of technologically managed special effects. The fantastic and fabulous went hand in hand with circus tricks, and gunpowder played an essential role in creating atmospheres and scenarios inspiring alternately admiration, laughter, and fear. Forefathers of our current mass events, these festivities managed, with the means at hand, to teach, entertain, and fascinate indian subjects of all levels. The special effects and emotions  sowed in them the idea of a powerful yet human imperial monarchy.