Spanish National Day Military parade & flypast

Spain’s National Day, known as Día de la Hispanidad, took place on Sunday, October 12 with plenty of historical reverence and modern spectacle in the heart of Madrid. 

The tradition, which marks the 1492 arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, the holiday reasserts Spain’s cultural and linguistic ties worldwide, evolving from colonial commemorations to a celebration of global heritage. Thousands lined the Paseo de la Castellana as the annual military parade commenced at 11am, presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia from the royal tribune.

Spanish National Day’s patriotism & military strength

The event put on show the prowess of Spain’s Armed Forces, with 3,847 service members, 524 of them women, marching in precise formations. Ground displays featured 123 vehicles, 39 motorcycles, 229 horses, and six service dogs, which represented the Army, Navy, Air Force, Guardia Civil, and National Police. Cadets from military academies led the procession, followed by historical units of the Royal Guard, so as to symbolise continuity from Spain’s storied past.

Overhead, a slightly reduced aerial flypast due to adverse weather conditions craned the necks of onlookers. The Formación Mirlo, debuting with Pilatus PC-21 trainer planes, replaced the traditional Patrulla Águila, painting the sky in yellow and red smoke to recreate the Spanish flag.

Twenty fighters, including nine EF-18M Hornets, seven Eurofighters, and four Harrier IIs, joined transport aircraft like the Airbus A400M and A330 MRTT for a 74-aircraft display, less than planned numbers but no less impressive. The ceremony opened with F-18s and concluded with aerobatics, honouring the fallen and reinforcing national unity.

Prime minister, dignitaries and seething opposition

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, along with regional leaders and foreign dignitaries, joined the royals for wreath-laying at the Almudena Cathedral and a flag-raising at Plaza de Colon. VOX leader Santiago Abascal opted to view from the streets, citing concerns over government legitimacy, adding a layer of political unease to the festivities.

Apart from Madrid, Zaragoza’s Fiestas del Pilar drew pilgrims to floral offerings for Our Lady of the Pillar, while regions like Andalusia and Extremadura extended the holiday to Monday. Madrid’s 10-day Hispanidad programme, spotlighting Argentina as this year’s guest nation, included concerts at Puerta de Alcala and Plaza Mayor, powered by 100 per cent renewable energy from Repsol.

For those unable to attend, RTVE and the Ministry of Defence streamed live on YouTube, reaching millions. As the parade dispersed around noon, attendees reflected on Spain’s complex legacy, with exploration triumphs and colonial reflections, all the while on a day of quiet family gatherings and open museum doors nationwide.