SOLEMN PLACES, POWERS IN CONFLICT

THE DISPUTE IN SPACES IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE PROCESSION IN THE NATAL CITY–RN (SECOND HALF OF THE SEVEN HUNDRED)

Abstract

Therefore, this article is based on an initial study that aims to analyze the reasons that led to these conflicts and the importance attached to the living space that permeated the festivities in the captaincy of Rio Grande, in the second half of the eighteenth century. In Portuguese America, the festivities held in the urban space of the colony was presented as an important instrument of affirmation of the Portuguese Empire extension. Thus, besides the parties become an space of representation of the imperialistic power, those who organized ended up having established a social and political function. It was sought to an authority legitimation by local elites of the city, and thus favored the development of power struggles. Based on the analysis of the letters and provisions of the Senate of Rio Grande, and loose documents of Rio Grande do Norte of the Overseas Historical Archive, it was established that in the second half of the eighteenth century, there were conflicts between authorities in the city of Natal. These were the disputes of space between local forces, such as the clash between the Royal Treasury Provider and chamber officials about the place behind the canopy in the procession of the Resurrection, in 1758. Another conflict being examined occurred in 1798, when the provider of the Royal Treasury of Rio Grande do Norte, Antonio Carneiro de Albuquerque Gondim, complained of the Vicar Feliciano José Dornelas the removal of his chair of the church main on the city that always belonged to Providers.