Ceremonies, territorial identities and political conflicts: the controversy between the Kingdom of Navarre and the Lordship of Vizcaya on the levee of the Infanta María Teresa (1745)

Abstract

In 1745 there was an incident in Vitoria during the levees (baisemain, kissing-hands) of the Infanta Maria Teresa of Bourbon, on her way to Versailles, between the kingdom of Navarre and the lordship of Biscay. This story developed an strong debate between the two territories. However, the dispute went beyond a mere defense of honor and preference in the representation of a territory in ceremonial order: this occurred during a very specific historical and political circumstances, which came into play the historical identity of Navarre and Biscay and, mainly, one way of understanding spanish monarchy.

Keywords

• ceremonia
• ritual
• besamanos
• identidades territoriales
• monarquía hispánica
• 1745
• navarra
• vizcaya