Why did Leopold I spend large sums on ceremonies and official journeys?

Leopold I spent significant sums on ceremonies and official journeys primarily to emphasize his imperial dignity and status as Holy Roman emperor.1

Despite his personal simplicity, Leopold utilized these events—such as his 1658 coronation journey to Frankfurt—as opportunities for ostentation. Furthermore, he frequently undertook pilgrimages, which served the dual purpose of seeking divine assistance against his enemies and reinforcing his public image through display. These expenditures were part of a broader effort to project the power and prestige of the Habsburg dynasty and to establish Vienna as a worthy imperial residence.1