«LAS MAYORES FIESTAS QUE EN ESPAÑA SE VIERON»: EL CONDE DE HARO EN BRIVIESCA (1440)

Abstract

In July 1440, the entourage that accompanied the Princess Blanca of Navarre for her wedding to Prince Henry of Castile arrived at the town of Briviesca, which belonged to the Count of Haro. At that time, he was the new strongman at the Castilian court and the one who was going to preside over the entourage and would be in charge of the reception in that town. On this occasion, as described in the chronicle of John II, a spectacular and unique festival will be held for four days, so extraordinary that the chronicler will refer to it as «the biggest festivities ever seen in Spain». In this article, we will study these festivities in their historical context.

Keywords

• castile
• monarchy
• nobility
• ceremonies
• festivities