Brotherhood of the Crowning with Thorns and of Christ the King

Processional Floats

Author: Francisco de Borja
Date: 1904

Iconography: The float, composed of four carved figures, represents the biblical scene described by Saint John. Christ, seated and dressed in a purple cloak, holds a reed in His hands while being crowned with thorns by a soldier. Another soldier looks on, holding a spear, and a third figure kneels in mockery before Him.

The Brotherhood processes two floats: “The Crowning with Thorns” and “Our Lady of Fair Love.”

The first, venerated as Christ Crowned with Thorns or Ecce Homo, is a sculptural group carved by the Zaragoza sculptor Francisco de Borja in 1904 and donated by Mr. Vicente Alfonso Ortega.

The second float, Our Lady of Fair Love, is a beautiful image of the Virgin of anonymous origin.

History

The Brotherhood of the Crowning with Thorns and Christ the King is one of the most active and visible confraternities in Holy Week in Burgos.

It was founded in 1945 by a group of individuals, mainly local merchants and parishioners of San Lorenzo Parish living in the surrounding area. In 1948, the Archbishop approved its statutes.

After years of growth, the Brotherhood experienced a period of decline between 1965 and 1978. A revival took place in the 1980s, followed by a stable and steadily growing period throughout the 1990s.

In 1986, the City Council of Burgos awarded the Brotherhood the title of “Good Neighbor of the City of Burgos.” In 1990, young members and children of confraternity members founded the Brotherhood’s Bugle and Drum Band.

Today, the Brotherhood has approximately 150 members, around 30 of whom belong to the band.