View source for Inauguration of the Caudillo

Coronations of Dukes and Princes in both Aryasht and Kildare frequently involved well-developed religious ceremonies. While the [[Apollonian Republic]] no longer follows a state religion (and under some [[Caudillo]]'s religion was even almost persecuted), certain traditions and actions were adopted by the Republicans for the '''inauguration of the Caudillo'''.

Although [[Trajan Myksos|Trajan]]s inauguration was simple, his successor ([[Hadrian Myksos|Hadrian]]) entered the city with a triumph and an official confirmation by the Senators at the ruins of the [[Tower of Airosamente]]. Since then, the Apollonian rites has been further designed to to confirm the continuity between the Republic and its predecessors (a small obsession with the ancient Audente Empire also plays a role in this).

Since Hadrians reign, the ceremonies are held at the ruins of the Tower of Airosamente, as it allows a large part of the population to witness the event itself. This would not be possible when done in the Magnaura or throne room of Marmore Palace (and a ceremony in the the larger Red Catodral would inevitably lead to religious prejudice).

==Inauguration ceremony==
===Entry into Apollo City (the Triumph)===
Inaugurations take place in Apollo City, the country's ancient capital. While Hadrians predecessors were inaugurated outside the City (the Dukes of Kildare in Mons Clistiro, the Princes of Aryasht in Mahapur and the first Caudillo somewhere in a field in [[Garllicia]] because of the civil strife at that time), Hadrians triumph (starting at at the Gate of Grace) through the streets set an example for later ceremonies (and also marked the combination of old and new symbolism). The new head of state makes a great processional entrance on horseback into the city, accompanied by multiple cavalry squadrons, his consort (in an accompanying carriage) and the pealing of literally thousands of church and temple bells. 

Following his entry into the city the new Caudillo and his entourage take time to rest and prepare for the following day's ceremony, while heralds in toga read out special proclamations to "the good people of Our Ancient Capital". When the Caudillo has already had a long military career, his great deeds will be spread among the people. Receptions are held for foreign diplomats, the Banner of State is consecrated, and the regalia are brought from Leto Castle to the throne hall for the procession to the ruins of the Tower of Airosamente. In conjunction with the Caudillo's entry into the City, fines are remitted, gold coins distributed, prisoners pardoned, and a two-day holiday is proclaimed.

===Inauguration procession===


===The ceremony begins===


===Swearing in of the Caudillo===


===The "many years" and the anointing===


===Conclusion of the ceremony===


==After the service==
===Return to Marmore Palace===


===The State banquet===
The Caudillo's coronation banquet is held on the evening of his inauguration, in the Palace of St-Constantine, former residence of the Magister of the Catologian Church (and now housing the Magistrates of the [[State Cult of Apollonia|State Cult]]). The walls are adorned with frescoes, and a special table was set for the Caudillo, who dines alone while being served by high-ranking members of the court. Foreign ambassadors are admitted one at a time, and the new sovereign drinks a toast with each in turn. Foreign representatives are seated in an upper gallery, as only Apollonians can take part in the banquet itself.


===Other celebrations===
Following the banquet, the new Caudillo attends other ceremonies, often including a grand illumination of the [[Egalitarian Tower]], fireworks, operas, and various balls. A special celebration is often organized for the common people of the City, at a nearby location where the Caudillo will attend a feast held for their subjects and inexpensive souvenirs were given away.


[[category:Apollonia]]
[[Category:Inaugurations]]