Societat de Festers del Santíssim Crist de l'Agonia

“The crossbowmen of King James I”

Founded in 1968, it originated in a group of revelers from the Mossàrabs troupe who chose to create a new troupe.

Initially they wear “Robin Hood” style clothes. In 1986 they change them for other chords in the classic Christian warrior style.

In 2004 a commission worked to bring their clothing closer to medieval history. Thus, the current clothing is as similar as possible to that of a 13th century archer, specifically to that of a crossbow soldier of King James I, who participated in the events of the conquest of Valencia and, therefore , in the incorporation of Ontinyent to the Crown of Aragon.

The set is based on a brown tunic covered by a two-tone (cream and orange) breastplate. The sleeves follow the line of the mesh fabric that is also incorporated to protect the legs and to cover the head. It is completed with leather belt, purse, handcuffs and crown, all decorated with metal studs. On their backs they carry a quiver with arrows and a bow, the identifying weapon of the Archers. Also, the original cross of the troupe has been placed on the tunic, and some red diagonal bars.

As one of the primordial decorative elements we find the bars of the Crown of Aragon, the coat of arms of King Jaume I and identifying element of his troops as well as of the royal villas, as is Ontinyent.

In this symbolic way, they integrate the idea of belonging to the armies of the Conquest of Valencia with the city’s flag, and the troupe’s identification with our people stands out.