Royal visits and places of memory: The marshal Suchet, José I and Fernando VII in Valencia

Abstract

Royal visits have always been one of the most significant festive events that could be experienced in a city. The presence of the king in it meant the alliance of the people with their sovereign. It was a social act, but above all a political one. During the Peninsular War, these ceremonies were charged with a symbolism that focused above all on the war itself: its heroes, its victories, its threatened faith or its captive king. The Valencians also had the opportunity to celebrate the presence of the royal authority in the city. José I and Fernando VII would be in Valencia at two very different times. In addition, the city also had to receive, with the honors of a king, its highest authority with the title of governor of the same, Marshal Suchet. For the majority of the population, two of them were intruders; the other was the desired one.