The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, attended the ceremony honouring the national flag and the military parade held in celebration of National Day, presided over by the royal family, including the Princess of Asturias and Infanta Sofía.
The parade commenced at the Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V in Atocha, proceeding along the Paseo del Prado, Plaza de Cibeles, and Paseo de Recoletos, concluding at Plaza de Colón. One of the highlights was the parachute jump by the Air and Space Army's Acrobatic Patrol, which descended with the national flag, followed by the hoisting of the flag in tribute to those who have fallen for Spain.
This year, the parade featured 4,380 personnel from the Armed Forces, Guardia Civil, and National Police. The aerial display included 46 aircraft, comprising fighter jets, training planes, and transport aircraft, along with over thirty helicopters. The ground exhibition showcased 144 vehicles, 39 motorcycles, nearly 300 horses, and five dogs from various units.
For the third consecutive year, the Madrid City Council provided over a thousand free seats in grandstands and chairs along the Paseo de Recoletos, between Plaza de Cibeles and Calle de Prim, on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, two areas were made accessible for people with reduced mobility at the intersection of Plaza de Cibeles and Paseo del Prado.
Following the military parade, the mayor attended a reception hosted by the royal family at the Royal Palace.
