Aproach to the ceremonial and protocol in the american viceroyalties : the viceregal reception

Abstract

In the late sixteenth century a model court initially identical to the Castilian court is exported to the conquered territories, although mediated by demographic factors of an indigenous population, a rough territory and an environment substantially different from that of the peninsular territories. The Lima ceremony, thus mimicking the strict etiquette of the Court of Madrid is characterized, first for being a reflection of the social order, establishing a strict hierarchy among individuals marked by its closeness to the viceroy, thereby accentuating their social position, and second as a system that aims to enhance the sacredness of the majestic and unapproachable figure of the viceroy.