Politics · Spain · 1 hr ago
Spain’s royal family leads National Day military parade in Madrid
Spain’s National Day parade is taking place in Madrid, led by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía are joining them at the annual military event.
Nearly 4,400 military personnel are taking part, alongside aircraft, helicopters and vehicles.
The parade runs from Atocha to Plaza de Colón and includes military honours, a flag-raising and tributes to those who have died.
It is the central public event for Spain’s National Day.
After the parade, the royal family will host state officials and representatives from political, economic, social and cultural fields at the Royal Palace.
The next day, the king and queen are due to visit Ceuta and Melilla.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, accompanied by Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, are leading Spain’s National Day military parade in Madrid.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 11:00 and run from the Carlos V roundabout in Atocha to Plaza de Colón.
Almost 4,400 military personnel are taking part, alongside aircraft, vehicles, motorcycles and helicopters.
After the parade, the royal family is due to attend a reception at the Royal Palace.
- Who
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, accompanied by Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, are presiding over the parade.
- What
- A military parade for Spain’s National Day.
- When
- October 12, 2026; it is scheduled to begin at 11:00.
- Where
- Madrid, along a route from the Carlos V roundabout in Atocha to Plaza de Colón.
- Why
- It is the traditional parade for Spain’s National Day.
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The parade is scheduled to begin on a 1,540-metre route from Atocha to Plaza de Colón.
The Formation Mirlo is due to fly over the event.
The ground parade is due to follow, including the Army’s 8x8 Dragón armoured vehicles.
The king, queen, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía are due to attend a reception at the Royal Palace.
The king and queen are due to visit Ceuta and Melilla.
- Military personnel
- Almost 4,400
- Parade route
- 1,540 metres, from the Carlos V roundabout in Atocha to Plaza de Colón
- Aerial display
- 50 aircraft and helicopters in total
- Ground display
- 128 vehicles and 39 motorcycles
- Date
- October 12, 2026










