Exclusive interview: Antonio Banderas reveals his plans for the festive season

The 55-year-old Spanish actor was in Dubai to launch a range of fragrances under his eponymous brand.

Antonio Banderas. Courtesy of Antonio Banderas

How do you usually spend Christmas?

Skiing with family and friends.

What scents do you associate with this time of year?

Pine, and wood burning on the fire.

What do you like most about the season and what’s your wish for 2016?

I like the feeling that we can all be better people and I would wish that we could all appreciate what really matters in life.

Do you have a favourite Christmas memory? Is there an anecdote you treasure?

Christmas morning, in general. I also remember the morning of Día de los Reyes (a holiday that falls on January the 6th and translates in English to Three Kings Day or the Epiphany). The date marks the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas when I was small. One year my father came home when my brother and I were already in bed. I heard his voice and, probably because I so wanted to believe it, I thought the Three Kings had arrived.

Is there a Spanish tradition from your childhood that you’ve handed down to your daughter Stella?

Yes, the grapes on New Year’s Eve. (A superstition associated with eating 12 grapes on December 31 – one for each stroke of midnight - to ensure a lucky 12 months ahead.) It’s a tradition I’ve always kept in the United States.

From your vast travels have you witnessed any unusual traditions abroad?

In Argentina they throw things out the window on New Year’s Eve, so it’s a good idea to stay at home – or go out with a crash helmet on!

If you had to give one of your perfumes to your nearest and dearest this month, which would it be?

I’d give The Secret to my friends. My fascination with fragrance began many years ago, when I still wore shorts and my knees were filled with scratches. To me, perfume has always been about coming home, a look back at my childhood, my school years, my first kiss, my home in Malaga, and the very roots that make me who I am today.

Do you have a seasonal message for your fans?

A special “Hi!” to everyone who likes my perfumes – whether you’ve worn them or not. A very Merry Christmas to you all, and may this time of year encourage us all to be better human beings.

• To view the range of fragrances by Antonio Banderas which are available at leading department stores across the UAE, go to www.antoniobanderasfragrances.com

AB perfumes for him:

King of Seduction

Blue Seduction

Seduction in Black

The Secret

The Golden Secret

Diavolo

Spirit Antonio Banderas

Mediterraneo

For her:

Blue Seduction

Her Golden Secret

Spirit Antonio Banderas