At length all these various detachments congregated into one grand
pageant, which slowly paraded round the Vivarrambla, and through the
principal streets, where every window and balcony was hung with
tapestry. In this procession were all the religious orders, the
civil and military authorities, and the chief people of the parishes
and villages: every church and convent had contributed its banners,
its images, its relics, and poured forth its wealth for the
occasion. In the centre of the procession walked the archbishop, under
a damask canopy, and surrounded by inferior dignitaries and their
dependants. The whole moved to the swell and cadence of numerous bands
of music, and, passing through the midst of a countless yet silent
multitude, proceeded onward to the cathedral.
I could not but be struck with the changes of times and customs,
as I saw this monkish pageant passing through the Vivarrambla, the
ancient seat of Moslem pomp and chivalry. The contrast was indeed
forced upon the mind by the decorations of the square. The whole front
of the wooden gallery erected for the procession, extending several
hundred feet, was faced with canvas, on which some humble though
patriotic artist had painted, by contract, a series of the principal
scenes and exploits of the Conquest, as recorded in chronicle and
romance. It is thus the romantic legends of Granada mingle
themselves with every thing, and are kept fresh in the public mind.
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