Persona March, 30th 2010 by John Grimmett

Antonio Banderas in native Malaga for Easter

Actor Antonio Banderas was in his hometown of Malaga on Palm Sunday, playing a more traditional role by attending the Church of San Juan. He is this year’s Mayordomo, a role he has played before, carrying the flag of the Virgin of Tears and Favors in the city’s traditional Palm Sunday procession through the streets.

Banderas in traditional 'Mayordomo' costume

Banderas will stay in Malaga through Easter Sunday with his wife, Melanie Griffith, and his daughter, Stella Carmen. He is also accompanied by a few friends from San Francisco who have come to enjoy Banderas’ participation in Spanish tradition.

Banderas was presented at the Church of San Juan dressed in the traditional costume of the Mayordomo, or steward of the throne, and without the beard that he wore during the Oscars.

Each Easter 200 flag carriers and 280 Nazarenes participate in the procession. Like all participants, Banderas wore a black hood.

‘For me there is no alternative’ than to participate, Banderas told reporters before the start of the procession as participants were making final preparations. He added, ‘Although I cannot relive the tradition on the streets of the city as I did when I was little, I can still enjoy Málaga thanks to the anonymity given by the hood’.

The actor said he was ‘excited’ by his participation in the rite, which he said preserves a part of Malaga’s ‘identity’

Regarding his professional projects, Banderas told reporters that he has ‘many very good plans for this year’. Although he could not elaborate because of restrictions in his contract, he said that he has ‘a good project in Spain and one overseas’. He then said, ‘We will meet again very soon’.