The Virginia Gazette

MADRID, December 12.

The festivals here on the marriage of the Prince of Asturias with the Prince of Parma began on the 9th instant. This day there was a great Gala at Court, in the morning; at 12 o'clock the Royal Family went in ceremony to the great square, to see the cavaliers ride the Parejas, or in pairs. The front was taken up by the Royal Family and the attendants on the Court. The halberdiers formed a line under the King's balcony; opposite to this were balconies allotted for the foreign Ministers.

The Parejas consisted of three companies of cavaliers, above 100 in each, 50 of whom were Noblemen of the first distinction. These Gentlemen were mounted on the finest Spanish horses, richly caparisoned. The first who entered was the Count of Altamira, who headed his company, all in American dress, the feathers of which alone cost more than 5000 l. sterling.

After marching round the square, and paying their obedience to the Royal Family, they drew up on the left. The next was the Duke of Lerma, with his band, who were all dressed after the antique Spanish fashion. These, after paying their duty as the others, formed themselves on the right. Lastly, the Duke of Medina Celi approached with his troops, in Hussar habits. These ranged themselves on the side fronting the King; and after the signal was given by the drums and trumpets, these cavaliers began their exercises, which consisted of various evolutions, divisions, &c. in which they introduced a kind of mock fight, something resembling that of the ancient Parthians.

The Duke of Lerma next brought up his company, who, after performing the same exercises as the others, drew up in a straight line before the Royal balcony. They then ran in Parejas, or pairs. Two of the cavaliers ride as fast as their horses can go for about 200 yards, then stop short under the King's balcony, make their reverence, and retire. This is continued until all the cavaliers have performed the same. The Gentlemen of Altamira's company performed nearly the same, and the whole lasted an hour. This magnificent spectacle was at the expense of these three Grandees, who all vied with each other in the most splendid appearance.

The Court returned to the palace. The cavaliers followed, dismounted; and then went to the King's apartment. His Majesty did them the honour to say that he was glad to see them distinguish themselves by their agility on horseback, and hoped they would continue a custom they had so properly revived.

The foreign Ministers also followed to Court, and stood by his Majesty in a balcony, whilst there was exhibited in the square before the palace a masquerade scene after the Spanish manner, which was prepared at a great expense by the corporation and trading companies of the town. The procession consisted of Alguazils, companies of foot and archers, dancers dressed in a grotesque fashion, &c. Next followed five triumphal cars full of musicians; four of these cars represented the four parts of the world, and the fifth the Spanish monarchy. These drew up before the palace, and one person from each car addressed his Majesty in verses. Then several dancers descended, and danced upon two stages erected for that purpose. The dresses were costly, and well adapted. This being finished, a firework was played off; and there was a ball at the Great Chamberlain's.