Auto-de-fe?

[Wiesty]

I know it was an event in the Spanish Inquisition, but what was it, what happened, who was involved, why?

[The Grapes of Wrath]

Oxford English Dictionary:

Auto-da-fe (de-fe)
1. A judicial ‘act’ or sentence of the Inquisition.
2. The execution of a sentence of the Inquisition; esp. the public burning of a heretic.

Basically, the verdict of a "trial" and the execution of the sentence, I gather.

The Inquisition was was an effort by the Spanish Catholic Church to root out heretics (bascially dissenters) and consolidate its monopoly over the faith and lives of the majority of the people of that time, namely, peasants. This was supported by those directly in power, because the people were easier to rule with the help of the Church. I hope that helps.

TGOW