Identity, Ritual, and Power in Colonial Puebla

摘要

For much of the colonial period, ritual maintained an important position in the public lives of Poblanos. As a didactic tool, ritual reified local and imperial identities, reinforced the power and prestige of the crown, and created a helpful blueprint for how power and legitimacy were disseminated locally. As an economic force it helped to stimulate a local industry that revolved around a plethora of secular and religious holidays, and as a religious event it helped Poblanos deal with the mysterious ravages of natural calamities while solidifying their Catholic faith and exalting civic pride and unity. Because the lives of Poblanos revolved around such a consistent schedule of celebrations and processions, to be in control of this ceremonial culture equalled status and power.