Antonio Banderas Returns To Spanish Hometown Malaga To Participate In Holy Week

Antonio Banderas has returned to his beloved Malaga, Spain and participated in Holy Week services. The Spanish actor also attended a gala event in the city's Senate Palace and gave out money raised at the Starlite Gala to various organizations as well as receiving a check for his "Lagrimas y Favores" foundation. Banderas has also been actively participating in Holy Week, including marching on Sunday to celebrate Palm Sunday or 'Domingo de Ramos.'

Antonio Banderas has been acting as 'administrator' in the Holy Week services taking place in the city: he has been guiding the Virgin's throne through the city during the parade on Sunday."The nicest thing about Holy Week is that it's still very imperfect and there are many things to do," which gives it "a very large field of action and an enormous future," Banderas said. "Everyon knows that being in my land and participating in what goes on here is a necessity for me. I'm proud to be a 'malagueño."

The gala event last friday also counted with Lolita Flores, Diana Navarro and 'El Balilla' from the Spanish version of "La Voz Kids." Carmen Cervera, Carlos Sobera and Elena Furiase were all in attendance also. Noticably absent was Banderas' wife Melanie Griffith, who likewise will not be part of Banderas' Holy Week celebrations - Banderas admitted that he didn't bring his "American family" with him on this occassion. The Spaniar revealed that he was keen to get out of the "whirlpool" of films and "rest" with his "people."