Politics · Spain · 2 hrs ago
Spain marks National Day ahead of elections and royal visits to Ceuta and Melilla
Spain’s National Day is being marked in Madrid with King Felipe VI presiding over the annual military parade.
The event comes shortly before a general election scheduled for November 29.
A housing protest camp has been in place at Puerta del Sol for two weeks, reflecting public anger over the housing crisis.
The royals have also invited representatives of civil society from Ceuta and Melilla, in solidarity with the cities after a large migrant arrival in Ceuta in July.
Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are due to visit Ceuta on October 13 and Melilla on October 14.
It will be their first official visit to both cities as king and queen, and the first visit by a Spanish monarch there since Juan Carlos I travelled in 2007.
The visits and the parade come amid political debate and public concern over housing and the border situation.
King Felipe VI is due to preside over Spain’s National Day events on 12 October, ahead of general elections scheduled for 29 November.
The celebrations come amid a housing protest in Madrid and political tensions over the recent mass entry of migrants into Ceuta.
The king and Queen Letizia are scheduled to visit Ceuta on 13 October and Melilla on 14 October.
The visits will be their first official trips to the two cities as monarchs.
- Who
- King Felipe VI will preside over the events, joined by Queen Letizia and their daughters.
- What
- Spain will mark National Day with official events and a military parade.
- When
- 12 October 2026. The royal visits to Ceuta and Melilla are scheduled for 13 and 14 October.
- Where
- Madrid; the royal visits will be to Ceuta and Melilla.
- Why
- To mark Spain’s National Day. The royal household invited representatives from Ceuta and Melilla in solidarity with the cities over their border crisis.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
More than 80,000 migrants entered Ceuta, according to the article.
Felipe VI is due to preside over Spain’s National Day events in Madrid.
The king and queen are scheduled to visit Ceuta.
The king and queen are scheduled to visit Melilla.
Spain’s general election is scheduled to take place.
- National Day
- 12 October
- General election
- 29 November
- Ceuta visit
- 13 October
- Melilla visit
- 14 October
- Military parade
- 4,380 military personnel, 82 aircraft, 183 vehicles and 286 horses









