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Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith© Getty Images

Melanie Griffith shares rare recollection of marriage to Antonio Banderas and family life

The Hollywood icons were married for almost two decades

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
April 5, 2023
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Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas may have gotten divorced in 2015 after nearly two decades of marriage, but they still look back on their time together fondly.

Such was the case with the actress' latest social media post, going down memory lane as she remembered their life together during Holy Week in Spain.

VIDEO: Melanie Griffith's Love Life

Semana Santa or Holy Week is an annual tribute of the passion of Christ celebrated by Catholics in many Spanish communities featuring beautiful processions as a form of penance.

Melanie recalled how important of an occasion it was during her marriage from 1996 to 2015 to the Spanish Oscar-nominee, sharing pictures of the celebration that falls between April 2 and 9 this year.

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She wrote alongside them: "During the 19 years I was married to Antonio one of the many extraordinary experiences he gave to me and the kids was our introduction to and subsequent love for Semana Santa. Holy Week. 

"It is a very old tradition, that is so very beautiful. During Holy Week over a hundred thrones representing Christ and the Virgin Mary are carried through the streets of Malaga. Every day and night from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. It is a magical and mystical week. 

View post on Instagram
 

Melanie recalled memories of Semana Santa with ex Antonio

The 65-year-old continued: "Many people follow behind these thrones on their sometimes eight hour long journey. When I first saw Cautivo I was moved to tears. I think of it as a spiritual experience." 

Sharing her love for the religious procession, she detailed her own memories of the occasion, penning: "So for many many years I was privileged to be one of the 30,000 people who follow behind him on his journey through the city. 

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Melanie ended with a sweet shout-out to her ex with: "I send so much love to my family and friends in Spain. Viva Cautivo! Viva España! Gracias y amor [Thank you my love] @antoniobanderas."

Melanie, whose mom is screen legend Tippi Hedren, and 62-year-old Antonio are parents to Stella, born 1996. Melanie was previously married to Stephen Bauer between 1981 and 1989, and together they share 37-year-old son Alexander.

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith attend procession during the Holy Week© Getty Images
The former couple have been spotted during Holy Week processions in the past

The Working Girl star was also married twice to Don Johnson, between 1976 and 1979, and again between 1989 and 1996. Don and Melanie are parents to actress Dakoka Johnson, 33. Antonio was previously married to Ana Leza from 1987 to 1996.

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