The 12th of October Parade

Every year Madrid hosts a military parade which marks Spanish National Day, a day commemorating the country's cultural and linguistic expansion beyond the European continent. Personnel from the Armed Forces, Civil Guard, National Police and Maritime Rescue take part in the parade accompanied by ground vehicles and aircrafts.

During the event, which kicks off with the arrival of the King and Queen, the king inspects the troops and greets members of the government. Other highlights of the parade include the descent of a parachuter carrying a giant Spanish flag, the Spanish Legion marching with their pet goat, the solemn raising of the National Flag, which pays tribute to those who’ve died for their country, and the flypast of the Spanish Air Force.

Route of the 12th of October Parade (2024)

The parade was held along the Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos, starting at the main entrance of the Botanical Garden and concluding at Plaza de Colón.