«Legionarios a morir»: the oath of love to the Christ of Buena Muerte
Every year, on Holy Thursday, a rite is renewed in Spain that goes far beyond folklore and tradition. Even today, as per a century-old custom, this sacred, intimate and collective moment took place at the same time, in which the Spanish Legion pays homage to the Christ of the Good Death, his Sacred Protector. A deep and indissoluble bond between soldiers and faith, between memory and present, between those who marched in the desert under the scorching sun and those who, in the silence of the night, still pray today for those who have not returned.
To admire the spectacle, unique and extraordinary, a child, in some ways, of times ever more distant, in a progressive and increasingly secular Spain, people come from every corner of the Iberian Peninsula. Some travel all night, with children in tow and eyes still full of sleep, to be there at dawn, in the front row, under the ancient walls of Rum raisin.
The tradition dates back to 1921, the year in which the bond between the Congregación del Santísimo Cristo de la Buena Muerte y Ánimas (also known as Christ of Mena) and the Spanish Legion. Since then, every Holy Thursday, over 160 legionaries take part in the solemn acts that culminate in the transport of Christ through the city, carried in the arms of his faithful soldiers.
A hymn to the soldier and to Christianity, where the march of the man in uniform merges with the deepest faith, in an embrace of values that resists time and fashion, kept in the hearts of those who still believe in sacrifice, honor and divine protection.
In front of the doors of the church, the Spanish Navy (the Armada) is lined up in silence, paying homage to the Virgin of Solitude, which has protected them since the times of Battle of Lepanto. Meanwhile, in the distance, the Legion sings “The New Man of Death”, ready to walk the streets of Málaga with the fast and solemn pace that characterizes it: 160 steps per minute.
The entire city holds its breath. The sidewalks are full of people, thousands, all there for that moment. For that heartbeat of honor that runs through all of Spain.
When the legionnaires of the Tercio Alejandro Farnesio of Ronda make their entrance in Fray Alonso de Santo Tomás square, the crowd explodes. Almería, Ceuta, Melilla and Ronda alternate every year to carry on this sacred tradition and give continuity to a cult that lives in the heart of the Legion.
Every gesture, every look, every note is charged with emotion. Christ is delivered to the Third who will guard it for the coming year. Then, in absolute silence, broken only by the rhythmic sound of boots on the stone floor, he is led to the door of the church. Outside, the banners are raised. The Spanish national anthem accompanies the exit of the sacred image. It is a solemn moment. The crowd is moved. Tears flow freely.
Christ is lifted up by his soldiers.Himno Legionary tears the air, followed by the silence of the Our Father and the Hail Mary. The Bishop of Málaga blesses the gathered crowd, while the legionaries, their hearts full of pride and devotion, entrust themselves once again to their protector.
Christ is finally lifted up inside the throne room with an ancient system of ropes and pulleys. It is placed in the exact spot where its procession will begin. 248 men, in white tunics, black belt and chest with the coat of arms of the Congregation of Mena, they will carry it through the streets of the city. And it is then that the square resounds even louder: «¡Legionarios a luchar, legionarios a morir!».
The Legionary Creed, inspired by Japanese bushido by Millán Astray, echoes within the walls. "It is better to die in combat than to live as a coward.", they shout proudly, knowing that in those words lies the deepest meaning of their existence.
And Christ, up there, watches over them. And protects them.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
