The cathedral as the main referent in Spanish ceremonies during Modern Age

Abstract

The cathedral stands out as one of the main performance places during the recurrent celebrations in Modern Age; while the main square used to be reserved for recreational events, the cathedral soon became the most relevant building for the celebration of religious events, but also political and academic acts. Even when we will speak about other cathedrals within the limits of the Castilian kingdom, we will focus on the cathedral in Salamanca, with its two emplacements (Old and New Cathedral), as the perfect locus for the celebration of important formal events related to the monarchy (royal visits, funeral rites, baptisms and weddings), university events and, of course, celebrations that were strictly religious (beatifications, canonizations, etc.). This essay will approach different celebrations promoted by the three main official institutions in the city of Salamanca (the city council, the regional council and the university), with enormous splendor and protocol, as well as the confluence of elements that enhanced the beauty of the cathedral grounds while also sending implicit political and religious ideas to the audience.