Although the film and entertainment industry has often been critical of religion, Antonio Banderas has never hesitated to recognize and express pride in his Christian faith. This year, as it could not be otherwise, the actor from Malaga has been faithful to his appointment with Holy Week in his hometown.
For twenty years, Banderas has paraded in procession with the throne of the Most Holy Mary of Tears and Favors, venerated as the Virgin of the Merged Royal Brotherhoods. This Sunday in March, however, due to inclement weather, the brotherhood has been forced to cancel the traditional pilgrimage.
The interpreter has assured the media that when the weather conditions do not allow the celebration of Palm Sunday to be completed, all that remains is to accept it: “Holy Week is a metaphor for life, sometimes tears touch us and sometimes favors, this year we have touched tears”.
Furthermore, beyond taking the situation philosophically, Banderas has tried to console the rest of the brothers and sisters of the brotherhood: “Don’t cry.”
The carving of the Virgin Mary Santísima de Lágrimas y Favores is the work of Sevillian Antonio Dubé de Luque. According to the Sacramental Brotherhood and Merged Royal Brotherhoods, it was blessed on March 21, 1982 and represents a painful dress, “being an image of a winder.”
For their part, the brothers usually wear cream-colored tergal fabric tunics, wear the Maltese Cross embroidered on their chests, and adjust their habits with esparto grass sashes.
