From Grandparents to Grandchildren: Love and Devotion for the Captive and the Trinity of Malaga

The doors of San Pablo opened as if they were the very gates of heaven, in one of the most anticipated moments of the Passion Saturday in Málaga. From inside the church, Our Father Jesus the Captive and Mary Most Holy of the Trinity emerged to awaken the excitement for Holy Week. Everyone experiences it in their own way, but there are moments that transcend the collective. For the Amat family, the procession means much more and is experienced differently. For decades, their home has been the meeting point where tradition and devotion intertwine. After passing by the Civil Hospital, the throne took to Regente Street and time seemed to stand still. The noise of the street ceased, and they were left with the feeling that their patrons, among so many faces and red carnations, had come out to meet them.

In the home of Manolo and his daughter Dori, the emotion is felt from the days leading up to the event. They decorated the facade with images of the Sacred Patrons, prepared carnations for a petal shower, and set everything up for the big day. Their home, where Holy Week lives with them all year round—not just during these seven days—is one of the most emotional points of the route. Manolo was the first to get up to attend the Dawn Mass. Dori finished finalizing the details with her son José Manuel, waiting for the arrival of her father and friends to experience the procession as a family. "Passion Saturday is always a surprise. We never know what will happen," Dori pointed out.

Málaga welcomed the first light of day as the Captive and his Mother awaited a procession that this year could be held due to the absence of rain. They moved forward with firm steps, with the demeanor that characterizes them, and the nerves were palpable in the house of the Amats, who anxiously awaited the arrival of the procession. When the throne appeared at the end of the street, silence took over the atmosphere. The throne stopped at the foot of their house, and it was then that the saetero Juanfran Ríos Cabrillana, from one of the balconies of the house, prayed to the Sacred Patrons with a saeta. The street burst into jubilation, and then the Trinidad Symphonic Band began to play the march Prayer at Your Feet, one of the most special for the family's grandson, and the neighborhood responded. Without hurry, the patrons advanced slowly while a rain of petals fell on them, creating one of the most beautiful scenes.

The saetero Juanfran Ríos Cabrillana at the Amat family's home. / ANA JIMÉNEZ

With emotions running high and astonished by the feeling of happiness they have just experienced, once again, the Captive and the Trinity have visited their street and they had the opportunity to offer them a fervent welcome. "These are moments that are lived with great joy, awaiting our processional exit which is the greatest," says Manolo. Although he emphasizes that they are "hard moments" to see the patrons pass by their house balcony. "There are many memories, which I prefer not to tell," he says with a heavy heart. But among them, there is a moment that makes him smile again: "When my grandson begins to hear the Prayer at Your Feet as a future member of the band. It fills me completely."

Manolo has been 50 years linked to the brotherhood, serving as a steward for many years: "In a lockdown, a colleague gave my wife, who was pregnant, the black ribbon of the bell. Since then, I was a throne man, the following year I became a brother and have remained so to date." Dori, for her part, participates in the Holy Monday procession as a candle steward in the Lord's section. Now, both try to instill this passion in their grandson and son, José Manuel, who already lives Holy Week as one of them. "I have a grandson who teaches me things, not the other way around, and I hope that when he is able to start, he will join the youth within the brotherhood," Manolo specifies. For the grandson, Passion Saturday is lived "big, with much love and joy." "Always with my Virgin in my heart," adds José Manuel.

Petal shower from the Amat family's home. / ANA JIMÉNEZ

For Juanfran Ríos Cabrillana, the saetero, it was another unique moment. "It was a very beautiful experience. Because of the warmth of the people, the narrowness of the street, and the emotions running high, it was very moving," he explained. "Finding yourself with the Lord of Málaga and his Mother in their neighborhood, their streets, surrounded by their people, you can feel the affection that this neighborhood, La Trinidad, has for its patrons," he added.

With everything accomplished, the Amat family only has to continue maintaining a tradition that is part of their daily life. The procession leaves behind images and memories, but also reinforces a feeling that is passed down from generation to generation. Now, with their sights set on Holy Monday, the family hopes to accompany their patrons as they have always done, with faith, devotion, and respect.