The daily gazette., 1880-05-01
Peculiar Festivities.
AN EVENT INTERESTING TO ALL
SPAIN AND PARTICULARLY TO THE

AN EVENT INTERESTING TO ALL
SPAIN AND PARTICULARLY TO THE
QUEEN.
Madrid dispatch to New York Herald.
Yesterday (Tuesday) was observed
as national holiday by all ranks
and classes of society in Madrid, the
occasion of the celebration being the
official announcement of the interest
ing condition Of Her Majesty the
Queen, an event over which all Span
iards, in accordance with ancient
usages, insist UPON becoming as merry
as their monarch. From an early
hour the Spanish capital presented
gay and animated scene. Multitudes
of people thronged the streets and
squares and avenues. The balconies
were hung with tapestries, flags
foated from every conceivable point,
and great etreamers of many-cOlored
bunting depended from every house.
top. All along the route of the i'm
perial procession the windows were
filed with ladies and children anxious
to catch a glimpse of the brilliant
spectacle.
The official ceremonies did not be-
gin until late in the afternoon. About
two O'Clock regiment after regiment,
with colors flying and bands playing,
took position along the streets lead
ing from the palace to the Cathedral
of Atocha. The royal cortege started
precisely at three o'clock. First came
a strong mounted escort, brilliantly
uniformed. The members of the
royal household followed, attended by
servants clad in magnificent liveries
and lackeys powdered in the style of
Louis XIV. A large number of State
and gala coaches, drawn by beautiful
teams of four, six and eight horses,
splendidly plumed and caparisoned,
formed the next division of the pro-
cession. In the first carriages were
seated the members of the Court.
The next were occupied by the royal
princesses, and in the last of all were
the King and Queen, smiling and
bowling their Acknowledgements to the
tens of thousands of people along the
line.
At the Cathedral of Atocha the scene
was exceedingly imposing. The sacred
edlfice was hung with crimson drapery,
upon which were emblazoned the arms
of Arragon, CASTLE and the House Of
Bourbon. High above all were suspen-
ded hundreds of Gags, captured in bat
ties and campaigns centuries ago. The
nave of the church was filled with the
elite of the aristocracy OF Madrid. The
high functionaries of the State and the
deputations from the Provinces occupied
sections specially reserved for them. The
members Of the Diplomatic Corps sat-
apart, and opposite to them was raised
gallery, filled with elegantly attired la
dies. For the accommodation Of the
King and Queen chairs covered with red
velvet we're provided on a dais near the
altar. Immediately behind them sat the
royal princesses.
The altar was blaze of light. Rich
Festments of satin and silk, embroidered
with lace of silver and of gold, reflected
,he rays of innumerable tapers and chan
leliers. The Cardinal Patriarch of the
Indies, who presided, sang the "'fe
Deum," assisted by his chapter aud sew.
,ral bishops. A "Te Deum" aud "Salve"
we're then sung by several distinguished
sAbiobo anu Wy bnO NilOlI vi buo hOJd
Chapel with splendid effect. The scene
recalled forclbly to the mind of every
,ne present the splendid marriage spec
.acles of the King and Queen five
months ago. His Majesty wore the uni
orm of captain general and the Queen |
ler dladem.
Befor leaving the cathedral the royal |
couple reverently knelt befor the famous
tatuette of the Madonna of Atocha,
which was robed in the celebrated dress
md mantle, studded with jewels and
diamonds, the gift of the great Queen
ISABELLA. The Madonna Of Atocha has
lways been held in the most profound
everence by the monarchs of Spain.
convent in her honor was founded by
the confessor of Charles ",
nd from time to time tho most expen-
i've gifts are deposited at her shrine by
he royal family and aristocracy Of
pain. The mausoleum of Marshal
rim was. during the ceremonies to-day,
Dncealed by velvet hangings. On their
eparture from the cathedral the King
nd Queen were enthusiastically greeted
y the assembled thousands outside the
uilding,