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Historical Re-enactment » Events and Festivals » Festa Barroca de Moià

Festa Barroca de Moià


Població: Moià (El Bages)
Dates: 09-09-2008 / 09-09-2008
Època: Època Moderna
Pàgina web: http://www.covesdeltoll.com/cova_prehistorica.htm

After the disastrous revolt of 1640 (Guerra dels Segadors or Peasants War) occurred within the framework of the Thirty Years War, Catalan institutions made use of a new international conflict to try and force radical changes in Spanish policies. Their goal was not to fight for independence, but to shape a new Spain, more favourable to Catalan people's aspirations. The result turned to be totally the opposite.

 

In 1700 Charles II, monarch to the Spanish Crown, dies leaving no descendants. After his death, the Succession War begins. The Royal Will appointed Prince Phillipe -grandson of Louis XIV- as the new monarch. The Spanish Crown moved from Austrian hands (the Habsburgs) into Borbon ones. A surprising decision taken by the last monarch in the Austrian Dinasty which set off a war among European powers for hegemony in the continent, and also a long war among Hispanic kingdoms.

 

Two parties were confronted in the War of Succession. One side was constituted by the Big Alliance of the Hague, a coalition formed by England, the Netherlands, Archdukedom of Austria and Portugal, the latter wishing to keep the Kingdom of France under control, and with the support of the Habsburg pretender -archduke Charles of Austria- . The Crown of Aragon -that is, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia and Majorca-, also supported the Habsburg candidate with wishing for a shift in the Spanish monarchy.

 

France, paradigm of absolutism and centralism, and the kingdom of Castilla were the other party, the upholders of Phillip of Borbón.

 

The Spanish Succession War ended disastrously for the Crown of Aragon and, especially, for the territories of Catalan language. With the arrival of the borbonic dynasty all Spain got unified under the laws of Castilla.

 

The Baroque Festival of Moià revolves around the emblematic figure of Rafel Casanova, born in Moià and Chief Counsellor of Barcelona during the last battle in the War (1714). With already five editions (2007), in this Festival visitors are taken back to early 18th century times:

 

  • Appointment of Rafel Casanova as Chief Counsellor
  • Arrival of Borbonic troops
  • Last War Committee, with Rafel Casanova, generals Villarroel and Salvador Feliu de la Penya, who decides to resist the siege of French and Castilian troops
  • Final assault of Barcelona, on 11th September 1714
  • Reading of the new Decree imposed by new Castilian authorities

 

The programme includes other more festive and popular acts like a parade, riding of horses and donkeys and a XVIII century market. Yet, the Festival has a clear historical motivation, with rigorous performances and lots of enthusiasm on the part of the inhabitants of Moià.

 

The 2007 edition included a homage to general Basset, Chief of the Valencian Maulets (irregular militiamen supporting archduke Charles of Austria) and chief commander of the Body of Engineers and Artillerymen of Barcelona during the siege of the city.

 

With only 5 years of existence, the festival has consolidated and has become a prime example in the country, benefiting from the implication of the Museum of Catalan History in some of the activities.