Spain celebrated its National Day with a military parade in Madrid, though the event took place without the participation of any soldiers from the autonomous city of Ceuta. The Spanish Ministry of Defence confirmed that forces from the territory remained deployed at their posts following the crisis that emerged in July, when tens of thousands of migrants crossed into the city from Morocco.
The ceremony was presided over by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, who are scheduled to travel to Ceuta on Tuesday. The parade occurred against a tense political backdrop, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived with parliament already dissolved ahead of the early general election called for 29 November. During his arrival, the Prime Minister was met with jeers from members of the public gathered in the streets.
Under clear skies, the event featured an aerial display involving 82 aircraft, led by two F/A-18 jets. On the ground, the military showcased new equipment, with the army’s 8×8 Dragón armoured vehicles taking centre stage for the first time. The parade also marked the debut of Marine Corps vehicles equipped with the Aracne anti-drone system, alongside two Asturcón drones from the Military Emergencies Unit, highlighting the current investment priorities of the Spanish Defence Ministry.
A total of 3,850 men and 530 women participated in the parade. Following the conclusion of the events, the King and Queen hosted a reception at the Royal Palace to mark the end of the National Day celebrations.
Ceuta made its presence felt at Spain's National Day parade without a single one of its soldiers setting foot on Madrid's Paseo del Prado.
