La Bota Cultural and Recreational Association has established itself as one of the San Roque crews since its foundation in 1978. It is a crew distinguished by its discretion, independence, friendliness and festive spirit, faithfully taking part in the celebrations every year on 14 August. For many of its members, the crew is far more than a festive group: it is a large family built on companionship, friendship and shared happiness.
La Bota Crew was founded in 1978 and first took to the streets that same year under the presidency of Manuel Cabello. Throughout its history, many crew members have served as president, including Agustín Pinilla, Luis Bendi, Mario García Callejero, Adolfo Aparicio, Pedro (Pedro "P.J."), Mariano Melero, Javier Benedí Cabello, Daniel Colás, Carlos Villalba, Jesús Pérez and Javier Pascual. Today, the presidency is held by Natalia Benedí. Her appointment marks a historic milestone for the crew, as she becomes the first woman to serve as President of La Bota Crew since its foundation.
Like the other San Roque crews, La Bota Crew has an official uniform worn by its members during the San Roque Festivities. It consists of a yellow shirt with black stitching, white trousers and a black neckerchief. The crew also has a distinctive emblem: a wineskin lying on its side featuring the silhouette of Ayub Castle, one of the symbols of the city of Calatayud, together with the crew's name.
Like all the other San Roque crews, La Bota Crew proudly wears its uniform throughout the San Roque Festivities. The uniform consists of a yellow shirt with black stitching, white trousers and a black neckerchief. The crew also has a distinctive and representative emblem: a wineskin lying on its side featuring the silhouette of Ayub Castle, the historic castle of Calatayud, together with the crew's name.
Over the years, La Bota Crew has occupied several headquarters across the city. Its first premises were located on the corner of Reconciliación and San Antón streets. Today, the crew's headquarters are situated on Justo Navarro Street, in the Santa Ana esplanade.
During the San Roque Festivities, the crew organises numerous activities for its members, known as Boteros. Highlights include the traditional paella lunch on the first day of the festivities, bingo, the raffle of a commemorative wineskin figure, evening meals and nightly mobile disco sessions. Breakfasts, vermouth gatherings and afternoon refreshments are also organised for members. In addition, the crew actively participates in events organised by the Inter-Crew Federation, such as the homemade soapbox race, the mock bull-run dummy competition and the traditional pilgrimage to the Hermitage of San Roque on 16 August.
