SHIPBUILDING PARTIES, FEASTS AND RITUALS IN CATALONIA DURING THE LATER MIDDLE AGES

During the shipbuilding process, the blessing of the ship is the best known tradition. In this study, we aim to point out that there were other ceremonies and acts, both private and public, which could also take place during the process prior to launching the boat. From the moment the building contract was drawn up until the ship's hull was ready, more than five rituals could be performed, such as "la festa del romball" (named after the last piece of the planking) and the ritual of the golden cups. The number of rituals depended on how important the ship and its owner were.