Politics · Spain · 18 hrs ago
Madrid to host Spain’s National Day parade on 12 October
Spain will mark its National Day on Monday, 12 October, with a parade in central Madrid.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will preside over the main event, which starts at 11:00.
About 4,400 people are expected to take part, including military personnel, security forces and civil institutions.
The program includes a parachute jump with a Spanish flag, aircraft and helicopter flyovers, and a procession of troops, vehicles and horses.
The route runs from the Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V, near Atocha, along the Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos to Plaza de Colón.
Organizers expect more than 100,000 spectators, and people planning to watch in person are advised to arrive early.
The parade will be shown live on La 1, Canal 24 Horas, RTVE Play and the Defence Ministry’s YouTube channel.
Madrid is due to host Spain’s National Day parade on Monday, 12 October 2026.
The central ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 and be presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
About 4,400 military personnel, security-force members and civilian representatives are expected to take part.
The parade route is due to run from the Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V to Plaza de Colón.
The event is expected to draw more than 100,000 spectators, and will be broadcast on television and online.
- Who
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are due to preside over the ceremony. About 4,400 people are expected to participate.
- What
- Spain’s National Day parade, with military aircraft, ground units and other participants.
- When
- Monday, 12 October 2026, with the central ceremony starting at 11:00.
- Where
- Central Madrid, from the Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V to Plaza de Colón.
- Why
- To mark Spain’s National Day.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
There is very little time left before we celebrate National Day together. Although the traditional parade will be on 12 October in Madrid, there will be activities throughout Spain.
Spain’s Ministry of Defence said activities would take place across the country for National Day.
Madrid is due to hold the National Day parade, with the central ceremony starting at 11:00.
- Participants
- About 4,400
- Aircraft
- 50 planes and about 30 helicopters
- Route
- Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V to Plaza de Colón, Madrid
- Expected attendance
- More than 100,000
- Television coverage
- La 1 de TVE and Canal 24 Horas
Sources
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