On Holy Week each year, American social media users are shocked to learn that Spain’s Easter traditions predate the Ku Klux Klan’s white garb.
The penitential dress was a feature of Medieval processions, where brotherhoods of Catholics would carry elaborate floats through the streets of some of Spain’s most beautiful cities.
Such incredible beauty is a reminder of the Europe that was lost with Modernity, one that was laced with humility, faith and devotion, all united by community.
After lockdown restricted Easter celebrations for 2 years, Hollywood actor Antonio Banderas returned to Malaga in his native Spain to take part in the processions.
On Twitter, Banderas wrote:
After three years of waiting, yesterday we were finally able to walk our Niña de San Juan through the streets of Malaga.
Palm Sunday at #Málaga . The spiritual unites with tradition, with identity, with art, with popular culture and with social and solidarity work.
Banderas posted photos of the event, showing him decked out in the traditional garb.
You can watch videos of this year’s Spanish Holy Week below.