The street demonstrations of portuguese misericórdias within the baroque context

Abstract

This paper analyses some of the public demonstrations of the Portuguese Misericórdias within the baroque context, highlighting some of the most relevant aspects of those moments. Magnificence, splendour, pomp and charity were some of the ingredients that would be associated in these occasions, under the goal of publicizing their charity rituals and, simultaneously grant visibility to the power of those who were members of these institutions. Gestures, prepared to the detail, ceremonies that were designed to be unique and behaviours that were expected to be adequate, such were the mechanisms that the Misericórdias activated whenever they would elevate themselves in these public street demonstrations.