Here you are, standing in front of the home of the legendary Borriquita Brotherhood of Puerto Real! Imagine you’ve traveled back to a sunny, lively spring day in 1943. Picture narrow cobbled streets full of anticipation, since this is where the first procession ever set out. There wasn’t a grand parade, mind you-a much humbler journey started from the old La Salle Buen Consejo school, just a few neighbors coming together, carrying their faith on small platforms. What began as a tiny spark of devotion in that school’s entrance has grown into one of the town’s most cherished traditions.
By July of 1944, excitement was in the air. The official foundation was set in ink, with a crowd of 46 eager locals, church leaders, and teachers gathering for the first big meeting. It was like casting the actors for a play that would never truly end-with Reverend Manuel Barberá Saborido and La Salle’s brother Jerónimo Juan leading the charge. These early members picked their first board, presided over by Ramón Caramé Romero. You might say they kicked off their journey with a lot of faith... and just a dash of organizational flair!
The story wouldn’t be complete without its stars. The main figure of Jesus riding a donkey-donated by a naval officer who doubled as Puerto Real’s mayor, Antonio Blanco Paz-formed the core of the “Paso de Misterio.” Later, the brotherhood added a lone apostle and even a local Hebrew: now, that’s what you call community participation! Over the years, more characters joined, courtesy of talented artists like Jaime Martrus y Riera and, more recently, additions from Jerez de la Frontera. Even their parade platform is a piece of art, hand-carved out of Brazilian mahogany and finished in 1990 by Diego Salvador Flores, a local craftsman with an eye for drama.
And just wait till you hear about their music! In the beginning, borrowed bands provided the soundtrack, but since the ‘70s, this brotherhood grew its own band, transforming from cornets and drums into a full music group. Walk the streets on Palm Sunday and you’ll hear the symphony echoing through Puerto Real-though thankfully, the musicians have a little more stamina than their original donkey mascot.
Let’s not forget Nuestra Señora de la Estrella. Crafted in 1963 by Miguel Laínez Capote, this beautiful Virgin statue received a glowing makeover in the 1980s-think of it as her own spiritual spa day. Her velvet blue canopy and richly embroidered banners were the talk of the town, though a sneaky rainstorm in 2001 delayed their debut. Every detail matters for these processions: shimmering candelabras, navy silk, and a band that could bring a tear to anyone’s eye.
Of course, the Brotherhood loves to keep life interesting. In the 1950s, they introduced distinctive bright white and red robes for their penitents, and for a few memorable years in the ‘70s, processions boldly took to the morning hours-because who says you can’t combine faith with a good breakfast?
Throughout it all, La Salle school has been more than a home-it's been family, providing the roots and guidance needed to help the Brotherhood thrive. In 1979, the community of Brothers was even named honorary big siblings; talk about earning some bragging rights at the reunion!
By 2019, all this devotion, culture, and charity led to a golden moment-the city itself honored the Brotherhood with the prestigious Medal of Gold. So, next time you hear those bands tuning up or see the Virgin’s canopy shimmering in the sunlight, remember-you’re not just seeing a parade. You’re witnessing a living, breathing story, crafted by the hands and hearts of Puerto Real.
