Opening of the Cortes Federales
 The Legislative Palace in Cárdenas during the Opening of the 9th Cortes Federales. | |
| Native name |
Ouverture des Cortes Fédérales Apertura de las Cortes Federales Rimana Huñunakuypa Kichariy |
|---|---|
| Location | Legislative Palace, Cárdenas |
| Type | State ceremony |
| Participants |
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The Opening of the Cortes Federales (Alexandrian: Ouverture des Cortes Fédérales; Martino: Apertura de las Cortes Federales; Wechua: Rimana Huñunakuypa Kichariy) is the formal ceremony that marks the beginning of each new session of the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Held every five years following general elections, the ceremony takes place at the Legislative Palace in Cárdenas and serves as both a constitutional requirement and a celebration of Nouvelle Alexandrie's democratic traditions.
The ceremony combines elements from the Federation's diverse cultural heritage, incorporating Alexandrian, Wechua, and Caputian traditions into a unified state occasion. The event is presided over by the King of Nouvelle Alexandrie and features the formal presentation of government policy through the Throne Speech.
History
The Opening of the Cortes Federales traces its origins to the establishment of the Cortes Federales in 1693 AN, following the final ratification of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago. The ceremony evolved from earlier Alexandrian parliamentary traditions, incorporating elements from the Federal Constituent Assembly that had governed the Federation since 1685 AN.
The first formal Opening took place on 15.I.1694 AN, when King Manco Cápac delivered the inaugural Throne Speech to the newly elected 1st Cortes Federales. The ceremony has been held regularly every five years since then, with modifications to accommodate the Federation's growing diversity and evolving constitutional framework, particularly the integration of Wechua traditions and customs into the broader New Alexandrian identity.
Ceremony
The Opening of the Cortes Federales requires extensive preparation coordinated by the Lord President of the Chamber of Peers and the Speaker of the Federal Assembly. The Legislative Palace undergoes special decoration, with the chambers adorned in the federal colors of purple, white, and gold. Security arrangements involve the Federal Guards Service and local law enforcement agencies.
Royal arrival
The ceremony begins with the arrival of the King and Queen at the Legislative Palace, as well as other members of the royal family. The royal motorcade is escorted by the Federal Royal Guards and greeted by parliamentary officials on the palace steps. This meeting represents the symbolic encounter between the Crown and Cortes, embodying the constitutional principle of the separation of powers.
Procession of the Mace
One of the most significant elements of the ceremony is the procession of the Mace of State. The ancient copper-headed star mace, a priceless archaeological artifact representing the authority of the Cortes Federales and the sovereignty of the people, is carried by twelve designated Mace Bearers representing the Federation's 12 Regions. Due to the considerable weight and length of the ancient mace, it requires ten bearers to transport it safely down the central aisle of the Federal Assembly chamber, where it is carefully placed on the presentation table in front of the chamber's dais.
Role of the Lord Protector
The procession is overseen by the Lord Protector of the Cortes Federales, known by his Wechua title "Apu Kalanayak." This ancient Wechua office was integrated into the Federation's democratic structure during the formation of the Cortes Federales, representing the commitment to preserving indigenous traditions within modern governance. The Lord Protector serves as the guardian of legislative protocol, maintaining order during proceedings and ensuring the legislature can operate according to constitutional law.
The first and longest-serving Lord Protector was retired Army Captain Koya Chaupin Rimayhuaman, appointed by King Manco Cápac on the advice of Premier Alejandro Campos in 1687 AN, serving until his death at age 93 in 1720 AN.
During ceremonies, the Lord Protector appears in vibrant traditional Wechua ceremonial dress featuring intricate patterns and bold colors that create a striking visual contrast against the formal dark suits typically worn by Cortes members. His ceremonial attire preserves the distinct Wechua characteristics of the office and serves as a living embodiment of the Federation's commitment to honoring its cultural heritage within the highest levels of government.
Chamber proceedings
The Lord Protector ceremonially locks and unlocks the chamber doors, representing the independence of the legislature from external influence. Once the historic mace is placed on its ceremonial stand, the Cortes Federales is officially in session.
The Lord Protector delivers a brief opening address or prayer, traditionally beginning with the Wechua phrase "Huk sunqulla, huk yuyaylla" (or in Alexandrian: avec un cœur, avec un esprit), emphasizing national unity despite the Federation's diversity.
The ceremony culminates with the entrance of the King and Queen into the chamber. All members of both the Federal Assembly and Chamber of Peers rise as the royal couple proceeds to the throne situated at the head of the chamber.
Throne Speech
The centerpiece of the ceremony is the Throne Speech, delivered by the King on behalf of the government. The speech, written by the Council of State, outlines the government's legislative agenda for the upcoming session. Constitutional convention requires the speech to be delivered from the throne, though the King reads text prepared by the President of the Government and approved by the Council of State.
The speech addresses key policy priorities including economic development, defense, foreign relations, and social legislation. It serves as the formal declaration of the government's intentions and provides the framework for parliamentary debate throughout the session.
Historical significance of the Mace of State
The Mace of State holds profound historical importance as one of the few tangible links to the ancient shared heritage between the Wechua people and the ancestors of Alexandria. Scientific analysis and carbon dating have confirmed the mace dates to the ancient era when southeastern Keltia was dominated by Madland, the predecessor state to Alexandria. The copper-headed star mace served as a ceremonial weapon passed through generations of tribal Wechua leaders, confirming their status as leaders of the nation. After the collapse of Madland and during the subsequent period of warlordism in the Wechua Nation, the mace came into the possession of Hamland (later Caputia), where its historical significance was first recognized by archaeologists.
When the Wechua Nation first gained independence in 1656 AN, Caputia returned the mace as a gesture of friendship, creating a deeply meaningful moment for the Wechua people. The artifact is normally displayed at the Museum of Wechua Antiquities in Parap under a perpetual lease arrangement with the Royal Household of Nouvelle Alexandrie, but is brought to the Legislative Palace for each Opening ceremony.
Cultural significance
The Opening of the Cortes Federales serves multiple functions beyond its constitutional requirements. The ceremony demonstrates the continuity of democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power following elections. The incorporation of Wechua language, traditions, and ceremonial dress alongside Alexandrian, Natopia, and Caputian parliamentary customs reflects the Federation's commitment to inclusion. The prominent role of the Lord Protector in traditional Wechua attire, combined with the use of the ancient mace, creates a unique ceremonial blend that distinguishes the New Alexandrian system from other parliamentary democracies.
The event receives extensive media coverage, with National Broadcasting Corporation providing live television and radio coverage. The ceremony is typically watched by millions of New Alexandrians and serves as a moment of national unity and civic pride.
Protocol and traditions
The ceremony follows strict protocol established by the Royal Household of Nouvelle Alexandrie and the Cortes Federales. Key traditions include:
- The locking and unlocking of chamber doors by the Lord Protector of the Cortes Federales;
- The three ceremonial knocks announcing the arrival of the Mace procession;
- The careful placement of the ancient Mace of State by ten regional bearers;
- The Lord Protector's opening address in both Alexandrian and Wechua;
- The royal entrance accompanied by ceremonial fanfare;
- The formal presentation of the Throne Speech.
Broadcasting and media coverage
The National Broadcasting Corporation serves as the official broadcaster of the ceremony, providing comprehensive coverage with multiple camera angles and expert commentary. The broadcast typically begins several hours before the ceremony with analysis of the political context and expectations for the upcoming session.
Distinguished political commentators and academics provide insights into the significance of the ceremony and its implications for governance. The coverage includes detailed explanation of the historical significance of the Mace of State and the cultural importance of the Wechua traditions incorporated into the ceremony.
