There are traditions that neither Oscar awards nor world fame can erase. This Palm Sunday, the streets of Malaga were not only filled with incense and devotion, but also with the presence of its most illustrious son: Antonio Banderas.
The actor from Malaga, faithful to his annual appointment, left aside the Hollywood spotlight to put on his butler’s robe and fulfill his spiritual promise, reminding us that, at the end of the day, our roots are what really define us.
A reunion with identity
Hollywood Actor, Antonio Banderas travels to his hometown Malaga, every year, to participate in the Holy week procession with his Catholic brotherhood 😍
🎥 catholicarena pic.twitter.com/lO0pb3OlW3
– Saint Adaugoijele ✝️ (@JustAdaugoijele) March 19, 2026
Antonio Banderas arrived punctually at the church of San Juan, in the heart of his native Malaga, barely half an hour before the doors opened to begin the procession of the Virgen María Santísima de Lágrimas y Favores, of the Real Cofradías Fusionadas.
Visibly moved and with the simplicity that characterizes him, the actor took the time to greet his childhood friends, neighbors and relatives who gathered to share a moment with him.
In statements to the EFE news agency, Banderas was forceful about what this ritual means in his life: “Holy Week unites me to my land, to my roots, to my identity”.
For the protagonist of “El Zorro”, this event is not only a religious act, but an umbilical cord that keeps him connected to his family, his lifelong friends and the neighborhood that saw him grow up before conquering the world.
The moment of faith: Songs and recollection
In a world where Christian actors are nunguneados and set aside, I remember how Antonio Banderas lives Holy Week.
Today Palm Sunday let us remember these things too. pic.twitter.com/woOuggtbQU– Poirot (@Argenpoirot) March 29, 2026
Inside the confraternity premises, the atmosphere was transformed.
Antonio Banderas, far from the image of a movie star, focused on his fellow thrones.
Moments before the processional departure, one of the most emotional moments took place: the actor joined the choir of voices to sing to the Virgin, a tradition that serves as a spiritual preparation before carrying the weight of the throne through the cobblestone streets of Malaga.
This Palm Sunday marks the beginning of one of the most important festivities in Spain and in the Catholic world.
The brotherhoods and fraternities take to the streets the “pasos” or “tronos”, pieces of sacred art that represent the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
For Antonio, being part of this gear of faith is an honor he repeats every year, no matter how busy his schedule is in Los Angeles or London.
Malaga: Antonio’s shelter
Antonio Banderas(@antoniobanderas) does not miss his annual appointment with the Holy Week of Malaga: “My mother was very devoted to the Virgin of Tears and Favors”.
A team of @DCorazon_TVE interview with the actor upon his arrival in the city.
⭕️https://t.co/8fP2E7i9xU pic.twitter.com/zWySIlTIEm
– La 1 (@La1_tve) March 29, 2026
Despite his international success, Antonio Banderas has invested much of his time and resources in reviving the culture of his city, especially with the creation of his theater, the Soho CaixaBank.
However, his participation in Holy Week is still his most intimate and respected facet by the people of Malaga.
His presence is not felt as that of a celebrity, but as that of another “brother” doing his job under his tunic.
The procession went through the historic center under the gaze of thousands of tourists and locals who, although they were looking for a photo of the actor, ended up being infected by the solemnity of the procession.
Banderas proves, once again, that you can reach the top without ever forgetting where you come from.
Do you have a family tradition that you wouldn’t change for anything in the world, like Antonio with his beloved Malaga?
Filed under: Antonio Banderas Semana Santa
