Official Funerals and Political Rituals in Spain. From the Transition to the State Tribute to the Victims of Covid-19

ABSTRACT

On July 16, 2020, the most relevant Spanish authorities gather in the Armory Square of the Royal Palace to pay a solemn tribute to the thousands of victims that the COVID-19 pandemic had occurred in Spain. This is the first non-denominational State tribute held in the country after the restoration of democracy in 1978. Within a context of social instability caused by the pandemic and with the first coalition government of left-wing parties since the Second Republic, there is a reactualization of the ritual with the celebration of this State tribute to the victims of COVID. This essay-style study aims to delve into the concept of political ritual, the possibility of creating new rites and its role in modern democracies. In addition, it investigates in depth the official funerals that have occurred in Spain since the approval of the current Constitution, their common features and their particularities. The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of this type of official act to bring society together, legitimize State institutions and influence through political discourse.