A King Travels: Festive Traditions in Late Medieval and Early Modern Spain

(Princeton University Press) This book examines the scripting and performance of festivals in Spain between 1327 and 1620, focusing on the travels and festivities of Philip II. Fluid medieval festivals gave way to highly formalized and hierarchical events during this period; Ruiz argues, however, that even festivals designed to buttress authority could also serve as sites of contestation, dialogue, and resistance. Ruiz is Distinguished Professor of History at UCLA.