Actor Antonio Banderas, known for his role in the “Zorro” movie series, participated in a Palm Sunday procession with the Brotherhood of the Virgin of Tears and Favors in his hometown of Málaga, Spain, to kick off Holy Week.

Banderas, a steward of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Tears and Favors, typically participates in the Catholic confraternity’s annual Palm Sunday procession.

The actor published a video singing with the Brotherhood on his X account:

Click here if you cannot see the post above.

The translated X post reads,

“‘Heart of brotherhood, we are fused.’ Traditions of #DomingodeRamos Malaga. Look for @antoniobanderas in San Juan, with its Virgin of Tears. Squeeze into this mass of faithful to listen to 'Tears of San Juan'. ‘Guide us, Lady of so many favors.’"

Here's another photo of the procession Banderas reposted on X:

Click here if you cannot see the post above.

Banderas also published the video in a collaboration on his Instagram account:

The caption reads,

“Antonio Banderas returned to the feet of Our Lady of Tears and Favors, certain that this year they would indeed take to the streets. ‘This year, yes,’ the actor said succinctly before standing before the poles of the "Niña de San Juan."
“Before her, first, the emotion of tradition, the unity between brothers, and then a call for solidarity. ‘I always say it's the 's’. Solidarity Holy Week. That's Holy Week of the 21st century. We live in a very complicated world, and every institution must lend a hand,’ the actor asserted.

Holy Week in Spain

The National Catholic Register reported that “Holy Week or Semana Santa in Spanish, is much more than a religious tradition. It is a deeply rooted cultural experience that unites entire communities.”

“Brotherhoods and sisterhoods — or cofradías — organize the processions, carrying the sacred statues, adorned with rich drapery, on the shoulders and backs of devoted townspeople, many fulfilling personal vows or acts of penance.”

How Social Media Users Responded to Antonio Banderas’ Participation in Holy Week Processions

Countless social media users responded to Banderas’ public display of faith. 

As of this writing, his X post generated almost 90,000 views, and the Instagram video generated nearly two million views.

“How incredibly beautiful, it makes my hair stand on end,” one X user said. “Catholic Spain with its traditions. Thank you, Antonio, for being who you are and spreading our religion.”

“God bless you. Holy Virgin, our Mother, obtain for us the conversion of our hearts. Totus Tuus ego sum,” another X user said.

“What a beautiful tradition. I'd love to be there one day,” an Instagram user commented.

“May we never lose our traditions. May the Virgin Mother bless us!” another Instagram user wrote.

What is your favorite Holy Week tradition?

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