Imogen Calderwood
HOLLYWOOD superstar Antonio Banderas took Malaga by storm this week during the Semana Santa celebrations.
The Benalmadena-born actor, who starred in The Mask of Zorro and as Puss-in-Boots in Shrek, returned to his home town to play a new starring role – in the Easter Holy Week processions.
The 53-year-old took the lead in Sunday’s procession as the ‘administrator’, given the responsibility of leading the Virgin Mary’s throne throughout the city.
A member of the Virgin of Tears and Favours brotherhood, Banderas returns most years to take part in the processions and services.
But to make sure the attention stays on the festivities, he often wears a hood to hide his identity when wandering around the city.
Banderas enthused: “The nicest thing about Semana Santa is that it’s still very imperfect, and there are many things to improve.”
“It gives it a very large field of action and an enormous future,” he added.
The procession, which started at San Juan de Malaga church, gives Banderas a chance to get back in touch with his roots after a busy year.
But he added that when not in Spain he always keeps track of the country’s news.
“I’m paying attention to you guys,” he joked at the door of the Sacristy.
