The Inauguration of Spain’s National Pantheon, June 20, 1869

Abstract

Every new regime comes along with transcendent variations and modifications in a state’s ceremonial, protocol, symbols, configuration and performance of ceremonies; however, the nature of the latter continues to be regarded as an essential instrument for legitimization and proclamation, and also of the new political system itself. Whether derived from legislative action, from the government’s initiative or from popular ideas or private projects with significant public and media impact, such ceremonies are symbolic of the historical moment in which they are carried out, thus becoming a means of direct expression of the legitimacy and authority of the new political system in force. This study analyzes the inauguration of the National Pantheon, held on June 20, 1869, just one of the events that took place in Madrid that month — a series of episodes directly resulting from the constituent process following what was called the ‘Glorious Revolution’ in September of 1868, which brought about the collapse of the monarchy and, consequently, the exile of Isabella II and the configuration of the so-called Provisional Government, leading to the Sexenio Democrático or Six Democratic Years.