MÁLAGA, Spain — Celebrated actor Antonio Banderas inaugurated Holy Week celebrations in his hometown of Málaga by participating in the traditional Palm Sunday processions, a cornerstone of Spain’s profound Catholic heritage. The Hollywood star, adorned in a beige penitent’s robe with dark green accents, fulfilled his annual role within the Tears and Favors brotherhood by initiating the movement of the Virgin Mary float following a solemn hymn inside Saint John’s Church.
Banderas, maintaining this deeply personal tradition for over two decades, expressed profound connection to his cultural roots. “I consistently cherish the traditions of my homeland, our identity, and the distinctive manner we celebrate,” the 65-year-old actor told press representatives. “Holy Week represents for me a period of tears and favors that manifest extraordinarily beautiful experiences.”
The actor’s brotherhood joined eight others in parading through Málaga’s historic quarter for hours beneath sunny skies, continuing until nightfall. This ceremonial commencement marks Jesus’ triumphant Jerusalem entry preceding crucifixion observances on Good Friday and resurrection celebrations on Easter Sunday.
While Andalusia’s cities of Seville and Málaga host particularly elaborate processions featuring ornate floats and hundreds of penitents, religious observances occur nationwide. In Cordoba’s mountainous town of Cabra, twelve faithful portrayed Jesus’ apostles wearing likeness masks alongside traditional palm branch carriers.
Throughout the coming week, thousands of participants will accompany antique venerated icons of Jesus and Virgin Mary on massive floats while hundreds of thousands of spectators line streets—singing hymns, offering floral tributes, or maintaining reverent silence during these culturally significant events.