ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an analysis of one major event, the double marriage alliance in 1612/15 between two powerful European dynasties: the Habsburgs and the Bourbons. Perfecting the arrangements for the marriages was a long drawn-out business. Although the decision to unite the two realms in this way was secured in the spring of 1612. Compared to the lavish nature of festival celebrations in France, those provided for Princess Elizabeth on her journey through Spain were altogether more muted, as David Sanchez Cano demonstrates. The interactions of the Spanish court and city councils are highlighted underlining the domination of the former as the financial burdens of festival were often transferred to the citizens' purse. The extent and range of forms of entertainment created to celebrate the marriage of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria are abundantly illustrated by the many festivals put on in Bordeaux at the end of 1615.
