| Sumario: | 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.
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