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After singing a hymn inside the church of Saint John, Banderas,
dressed in a traditional penitent’s robe in bright beige with
dark green detailing, gave the order to set in motion the float
on which the bearers carry the Virgin of his brotherhood, Tears
and Favors.
Known for his long film career in Spain and Hollywood, Banderas
has been participating in the procession in Malaga, his hometown
in southern Spain, for more than 20 years.
“I always see the traditions of my homeland, our identity, and
the way we experience our celebrations, and I’m delighted to be
here," Banderas, 65, told reporters. “For me, Holy Week is a
time of tears and favors that bring about very beautiful
things”.
His brotherhood is one of nine that will parade through the
narrow streets of the old town for several hours on a sunny
Sunday, lasting until nightfall.
Palm Sunday, the first major day of the Holy Week, marks Jesus’
triumphant entrance into Jerusalem days before his crucifixion,
which Christians commemorate on Good Friday, and his
resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Andalusian cities of Seville and Malaga host some of the most
popular and lavish processions, featuring elaborately decorated
floats and hundreds of penitents, but religious events of all
kinds take place throughout Spain.
In Cabra, a small town in the nearby mountains of Cordoba, in
addition to the faithful who march carrying traditional palm
branches, 12 of them portrayed Jesus’ apostles wearing masks
bearing their likenesses.
Over the next week, thousands of penitents will carry and
accompany the antique and venerated images of Jesus and the
Virgin Mary in their massive floats, while hundreds of thousands
of residents and tourists fill the streets to watch them march,
singing hymns, showering them with flowers, or observing a
solemn silence.
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