The image shows a Tarasca for the Corpus Christi procession of 1744 in Madrid. The Tarasca is a mythological creature of French origin that represents an allegory of how good triumphs over evil. The Tarasca was described as a kind of devastating dragon that lived in Provence and destroyed everything. Saint Martha managed to subdue the monstrous beast with her prayers, so that the inhabitants of the city were able to put an end to it. St. Martha then preached a sermon that converted many of the inhabitants to Christianity and provoked repentance for killing the monster. During the Modern Age it was present in the religious celebrations of the Corpus Christi festival, although during the reign of Charles III all profane elements were forbidden in these festivities. Nowadays, it continues to appear in various Corpus Christi processions, accompanied by big-headed figures and giants.

Collection: Images

Project: 3. Rural world and urban world in the formation of the European identity., 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe.

Chronology: XVI, XVII, XVIII

Scope: Primary Education, Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: http://www.memoriademadrid.es/buscador.php?accion=VerFicha&id=42935&num_id=5&num_total=48

Resource type: Image

Format: Drawing

Source: Biblioteca Digital Memoria de Madrid

Language: Spanish

Date: 1744

Owner: María del Mar Felices de la Fuente (Modernalia)

Identifier: 2-204-13

Copyright: Biblioteca Digital Memoria de Madrid

Abstract: Everyday life, celebrations and religious festivities. The image shows a Tarasca for the Corpus Christi procession of 1744 in Madrid

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