ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Spanish Baroque ephemeral architecture

Alright little one, do you know what architecture is? It's when people design and build buildings or structures. Now, imagine a very special kind of architecture that's built only for certain events, like parties, parades, or religious ceremonies. This kind of architecture is called "ephemeral" because it's only meant to last for a short time, and then it's taken down or disappears.

Now, let's talk about Spain during the 17th and 18th centuries. That was a time when a lot of people in Spain were very religious and loved big celebrations. So, they started creating these amazing structures made of wood, cloth, and other materials that would be put up for special religious or public events. These structures were called "baroque ephemeral architecture" because they were built in the baroque style, which was very ornate and fancy, and they were only meant to last for a short time.

These structures were huge and often included multiple levels, arches, columns, and sculptures. They were covered in colorful fabrics and decorations, like flowers, feathers, and ribbons. Many of them had special effects, like fireworks, smoke, or music, which made them even more impressive.

One of the most famous examples of Spanish baroque ephemeral architecture was the "Fachada Efímera" (Ephemeral Façade) that was built in front of the town hall in Madrid for the canonization of Spanish saints in 1671. The façade was seven stories tall and was covered in gold leaf and sculptures of the saints. It was so beautiful and impressive that it became an inspiration for other baroque architects throughout Europe.

So, in short, Spanish baroque ephemeral architecture was a type of special temporary buildings that were built in the baroque style for religious and public events in Spain during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were very ornate and fancy, and often had special effects like fireworks or music to make them even more impressive.