Granada Hosts Military Event in Homage to Spanish Armed Forces

For the first time in history, Granada is hosting a military event in honor of the Spanish Armed Forces. The annual event is traditionally presided over by the King and Queen and takes place in a different city each year.

Celebrations Begin with Musical Bands and Civil Guard Parade

The festivities kicked off on Thursday as the musical bands of the different military units and the Civil Guard paraded through the streets of Granada. They met in front of the Palacio de Congresos.

Air Show in Motril Presided Over by King Felipe VI

The following day, King Felipe VI presided over an air show in Motril. The event saw 12 Navy ships, 2 submarines, 11 planes, and 12 helicopters, along with over 2,000 soldiers in attendance.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia Attend the Parade

On the day of the parade, Queen Letizia joined King Felipe VI, as she does every year. Despite rain being forecast, the sun shone and thousands of citizens took to the streets to enjoy the event.

Parade Honors Fallen and Includes Parachuting Display

The King and Queen arrived at the Gonzalo Gallas roundabout in Granada and greeted various dignitaries, including the Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, and the President of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno Bonilla. After the national anthem was played and the flag was reviewed and raised, a tribute was paid to the fallen, and the parade began. The display included a parachuting acrobatic patrol of the Air and Space Army who performed a routine.

Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía Absent

For this military event, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía did not accompany their parents. It should be noted that Princess Leonor is set to begin her military training in August.

Armed Forces Day Celebrates Spanish Military

Armed Forces Day honors the armies and navy of Spain and promotes knowledge and integration into society. It was first established in 1978 as an annual commemoration. It is typically held in a different city annually, except for two consecutive years in Madrid in 2015 and 2016.

Queen Letizia Sports Spanish Designer in Springtime Outfit

Queen Letizia wore a skirt with front pockets and a floral print signed by Sevillian designer José Hidalgo to the parade. She paired the skirt with a white shirt with puffed sleeves, a handbag, and fuchsia low-heeled shoes. King Felipe VI wore the summer uniform of the Navy.