Spain Prepares for National Day Military Parade in Madrid

Spain will mark its National Day on Monday, October 12, with a military parade in central Madrid presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. The ceremony begins at 11:00 a.m. with a videoconference by Defence Minister Margarita Robles connecting with the 3,000 Spanish troops deployed on international missions across four continents.

The parade will feature approximately 4,400 participants from the Armed Forces, State Security Forces, and civil institutions, including 530 women. Air assets total 50 fixed-wing aircraft and around 30 helicopters, while the ground column comprises 144 vehicles, 39 motorcycles, 300 horses, and five dogs.

“The probability indicated is 0% for the whole Monday, so in 2026 the military parade can be enjoyed on the streets of Madrid without any chance of getting soaked.”

The route runs from the Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V along the Paseo del Prado, Plaza de Cibeles, and Paseo de Recoletos, ending at Plaza de Colón. Madrid City Hall estimates up to 80,000 spectators may attend, with traffic closures in effect from roughly 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on major avenues including Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos.

A highlight will be the parachute jump by Corporal José Antonio Lago carrying a 24-square-meter Spanish flag, accompanied by Sergeant Pablo García Matanza. The ceremony includes the flag raising, a tribute to the fallen, and the "Mirlo" formation flypast. The flag lowering is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with all acts concluding around 3:00 p.m.

Weather conditions appear favorable for the air display. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) forecasts a green alert level for Madrid with a 0% probability of rain, ruling out the low clouds or precipitation that have grounded aircraft in previous years.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will attend amid political tensions, with opposition protests expected along the route. The government has maintained the authorities' stand at Plaza de Neptuno, positioned over 200 meters from the public, a measure introduced in 2023 that officials attribute to construction works on Paseo de la Castellana.