Occasions of State: Early Modern European Festivals and the Negotiation of Power

The sixth volume in the European Festival Studies series explores how rulers and elite families competed for power in a forecast of today's divided world, drawing on up-to-date scholarship and international pan-European turbulence associated with post-Reformation religious conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This sixth volume in the European Festival Studies series is a collaborative effort between the Society for European Festivals Research and the European Science Foundations PALATIUM project, which was held in Venice in 2013. It brings together a diverse group of early-career and experienced academics to present a comprehensive account of spectacular occasions of state that have had a significant impact on contemporary societies. The book explores how the rulers and elite families of the period competed for power in a context of post-Reformation religious conflict, which provides a forecast of today's divided world.

The volume begins by examining the origins of spectacular occasions of state in Europe, tracing their development from ancient times to the present day. It highlights the role of festivals and other public events in shaping political, social, and cultural identities, and explores the ways in which they have been used to promote political agendas, consolidate power, and celebrate cultural heritage.

The book then moves on to examine the impact of spectacular occasions of state on contemporary societies. It highlights the ways in which they have been used to promote social cohesion, cultural exchange, and economic development, as well as the challenges that they have posed to democratic governance and human rights. It also explores the ways in which spectacular occasions of state have been used to promote cultural diversity and tolerance, and to challenge dominant ideologies and power structures.

The book concludes by considering the future of spectacular occasions of state in Europe. It highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight of these events, as well as the need to ensure that they are accessible to all members of society. It also suggests that spectacular occasions of state can be used to promote social justice and environmental sustainability, and to create a more inclusive and democratic society.

In conclusion, this sixth volume in the European Festival Studies series provides a unique and comprehensive account of spectacular occasions of state that have had a significant impact on contemporary societies. It highlights the role of festivals and other public events in shaping political, social, and cultural identities, and explores the ways in which they have been used to promote political agendas, consolidate power, and celebrate cultural heritage. It also highlights the challenges that they have posed to democratic governance and human rights, and suggests that they can be used to promote social justice and environmental sustainability, and to create a more inclusive and democratic society.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032401720