Funeral of King Manco Cápac I
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| Location | Cardenas, Nouvelle Alexandrie |
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| Type | State funeral |
The funeral of King Manco Cápac I was held in Cardenas, the capital city of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The ceremony was a unique and poignant event that combined elements of Wechua traditions and Nazarene rituals, reflecting the diverse spiritual background of the late king and the nation he led. Dignitaries from around the world attended the state funeral to pay their respects and honor the memory of King Manco Cápac I.
Ceremony
The funeral procession began at the Palace of Carranza, where King Manco Cápac I's body lay in state. The casket, draped in the flag of Nouvelle Alexandrie, was carried by members of the royal guard and accompanied by a procession of spiritual leaders from the Faith of Inti, the Church of Alexandria, and the Church of Caputia.
In a nod to Wechua traditions, a ceremonial offering was made to the gods, seeking their protection and guidance for the late king's journey to the afterlife. The offering included symbolic items representing the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. Traditional Wechua music, played on instruments such as the quena and the zampoña, filled the air as the procession made its way to the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian in Cardenas.
At the cathedral, a Nazarene mass was held, led by the Archbishop of Cardenas. Prayers, hymns, and readings from both the Bible and Wechua sacred texts were incorporated into the service, highlighting the fusion of the two faith traditions. The mass concluded with a moving eulogy, delivered by King Sinchi Roca, that celebrated his late father's life and legacy.
Burial
Following the funeral mass at the Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the casket containing King Manco Cápac I's remains was transported to the Royal Mausoleum of Parap, located in the city of Parap, the capital of the Wechua Nation and the center of Wechua culture. The journey from Cardenas to Parap, covering a distance of 1,988.7 km, involved a dramatic procession along the route, with the King's body traveling by a specially-designed funeral car, accompanied by a parade of vehicles and mourners.
The funeral procession took five days to reach Parap, with each day marked by unique and solemn ceremonies and events to honor the late king.
Day 1: Departure from Cardenas
The procession began in Cardenas, with the funeral car carrying the King's casket draped in the flag of Nouvelle Alexandrie. A convoy of military vehicles and motorcycles, as well as cars carrying family members, dignitaries, and religious leaders, followed the funeral car. The streets were lined with mourners holding flowers and candles, paying their respects as the procession passed.
Day 2: Tribute at the Shrine of the Ancestors
On the second day, the procession reached a significant landmark, the Shrine of the Ancestors, where a brief ceremony was held to honor the memory of the late King and his Wechua ancestors. Traditional Wechua prayers were recited, and offerings were made to the spirits of the ancestors.
Day 3: Crossing the Bridge of Sighs
The third day saw the procession cross the Bridge of Sighs, an architectural marvel and a symbol of unity between the people of Nouvelle Alexandrie and the Wechua Nation. As the funeral car crossed the bridge, thousands of mourners gathered on either side, releasing white doves and biodegradable balloons as a symbol of peace and hope.
Day 4: Gathering at the Plains of Inti
On the fourth day, the procession arrived at the Plains of Inti, a vast open space traditionally used for spiritual ceremonies and gatherings. Here, a public vigil was held, with mourners from all walks of life coming together to share their grief and express their condolences. The night was marked by a display of traditional Wechua dances and music, paying homage to King Manco Cápac I's cultural heritage.
Day 5: Arrival in Parap
On the final day, the procession reached the city of Parap, where the Royal Mausoleum awaited the King's arrival. The streets were lined with thousands of mourners, who showered the funeral car with flower petals as it passed. Upon arrival at the Royal Mausoleum, the casket was carried by the royal guard to its final resting place. A brief interfaith prayer service was held, led by spiritual leaders from the Faith of Inti and the Autocephalous Nazarene Church of Alexandria, invoking blessings and protection for the late king's soul. The burial concluded with a 21-gun salute, honoring King Manco Cápac I's contributions to the nation and his dedication to peace.
Attendance
Dignitaries from around the world attended the funeral, including heads of state, diplomats, and representatives from various religious organizations. The ceremony was broadcast live on television and radio, with millions of viewers tuning in to pay their respects.
