Spain Kicks Off Holy Week with Processions, Palms, and Familiar Faces

Actor Antonio Banderas joined crowds at dozens of Palm Sunday processions marking the official start of Holy Week in Spain.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Spain has kicked off its annual Holy Week celebrations, with crowds gathering for traditional Palm Sunday processions in cities across the country. Among the attendees was actor Antonio Banderas, who joined the processions in his hometown of Málaga.

Why it matters

Holy Week is one of the most important religious and cultural events in Spain, drawing large crowds and media attention each year. The participation of high-profile figures like Antonio Banderas helps to highlight the continued significance of these centuries-old traditions.

The details

The Palm Sunday processions mark the start of Holy Week, a week-long series of religious observances leading up to Easter. Crowds gathered to carry palm fronds and participate in the colorful, solemn processions through the streets. In Málaga, actor Antonio Banderas, who was born in the city, was spotted joining the crowds.

  • The Palm Sunday processions took place on March 29, 2026, kicking off the start of Holy Week in Spain.

The players

Antonio Banderas

A Spanish actor known for his roles in films like The Mask of Zorro and Desperado, who was born in Málaga and participated in the Palm Sunday processions in his hometown.

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What they’re saying

“Holy Week is a very special time in Spain, and I'm honored to be able to take part in these traditions in my hometown.”

— Antonio Banderas

The takeaway

The participation of high-profile figures like Antonio Banderas in Spain's Holy Week celebrations underscores the enduring cultural significance of these centuries-old traditions, which continue to draw large crowds and media attention each year.