The Legion and the transfer of the Christ of Mena, essence of Maundy Thursday morning in Málaga

Holy Thursday in Málaga is synonymous with the Legion, as the morning belongs to them. From early in the day, thousands of Malagueños were waiting at Pier 2, in the city streets, and at Plaza Fray de Santo Tomás, to enjoy the landing, parade, and subsequent transfer of the Holy Christ of Good Death. "Today everything makes sense," posted the Mena Congregation on their official profiles, and it is no coincidence. This is, without a doubt, one of the most awaited moments of the Holy Week in Málaga. The Tercio Alfonso XIII, based in Almería, made its entrance into the city from the port, beginning a special and highly anticipated morning for the people of Málaga. The excitement and eagerness to see the legionnaires in green uniforms throughout the heart of the city were palpable.

Aboard the amphibious assault ship Galicia L-51, which was making its debut for the occasion, the legionnaires, both knights and ladies, sailed through the waters of Málaga to the city's port. There, a large crowd awaited them to perform the traditional landing. One by one, they descended the ship's stairs and formed up to later chant the Legionnaire's hymn and the well-recognized "Novio de la Muerte."

Marching steadily and briskly, so characteristic of the Legion—and imposing in some cases—they paraded through the city streets from the port of Málaga to Plaza Fray de Santo Tomás. Amid cheers from an always enthusiastic Málaga crowd, the Legion adorned the streets with their green wave, creating unique scenes. The pioneer squads performed traditional maneuvers with their weapons, while the section of bugles, drums, and the band provided the music for the parade.

Amid the murmurs of those present in Plaza Fray de Santo Tomás, the drums of the Legion resonated as they passed through Carretería Street. They were getting closer. Meanwhile, the VIP stand was graced by the presence of the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, and the Bishop of the city, José Antonio Satué, among others.

As they rounded the last corner before entering the plaza, those present began to applaud the arrival of the troops and greeted them with shouts of "Long live the Legion!". The sun, which until then had not been the protagonist, began to shine over the plaza, and the heat was stifling. So much so that medical services had to assist some of those present.

As is traditional each year, the transfer of the standard of the Holy Christ of Good Death and Souls took place, framed by the guidons of the tercios and the legionary flags. This time, it was handed over by Francisco Manuel Palominos Benítez, Lieutenant Colonel Chief of Staff of the Headquarters of the King Alfonso XIII 2nd Brigade of the Legion to Ignacio García del Castillo, Colonel Chief of the Tercio Gran Capitán I of the Legion, who was in charge of guarding it until the next penitential act.

And after that, the doors of Santo Domingo opened and the figure of the Malagueño sculptor Francisco Palma Burgos began to appear on the cross. The awaited moment for the brotherhood members and a hallmark of Holy Week in Málaga. Carried by the members of the pioneer squads of the Tercio Gran Capitán, Duque de Alba, and the Field Artillery Group of the BRILEG, it processed through the plaza. Upright, with their gaze forward, carrying their protector on their shoulder. However, with an unusual sight. The first corporal with gray hair, José María Martín Urbaneja, was no longer leading the Holy Christ of Good Death after 30 years. Now, the maneuvers were commanded by first corporal Fernando Amat. "Novio de la Muerte" was sung at full lung by the entire plaza and with the prayer touch, the Christ of Mena was presented to the people of Málaga, for his subsequent enthronement for the processional exit on this Holy Thursday afternoon. All under the watchful eye of his Mother, Our Lady of Solitude.

Subsequently, the image of the Holy Christ of Good Death was enthroned, and thus, everything is ready for the protector of the knights and ladies of the Legion and Our Lady of Solitude to parade through the city streets in a new Station of Penance.