The bustle of a Friday night that last night revealed that Granada is a university city, of young people and tapas, gave way this Saturday to a sunny and silent morning. Hardly the song of a bird broke the tranquility of the first day of the weekend. It could be one more, but when walking through the streets, numerous Spanish flags and billboards on the sidewalks helped to predict that, indeed, it was not just any Saturday. Granada has hosted the celebration of Armed Forces Day. The city, symbol of the Reconquest of the Catholic Monarchs, home of Federico García Lorca, was also yesterday home to 3,100 soldiers who participated in the parade to commemorate his great day and his service to Spain. And the population was up to it. Thousands of Grenadians filled the streets, a celebration helped by a clear day after weeks of rain.
With the billboards packed with the public, who also occupied the windows of the buildings adjacent to Albert Einstein Square, the president of the Board, Juanma Moreno, was greeted with shouts of president, president, by the public. At that time, Spanish Television was broadcasting an interview with Margarita Robles, who highlighted the aid to Ukraine this year and reiterated that Spain does not have the planes that Zelenski is asking for.
Asked about how a change of government will influence defense investments, she assured that the Executive of Pedro Sánchez will continue “for as long as it is, even in office, working” in the same direction that this legislature has followed. Robles, who has opted for “a good electoral result” for next July 23, has also recalled that “the Armed Forces are never politicized.” However, she has reiterated that the war in Ukraine has shown that “our security is very vulnerable” and that is why we must continue “investing in Defense, which is investing in peace.”
At twelve in the morning the Kings Don Felipe and Doña Letizia arrived. Received among incessant cheers from the public that thronged around the royal tribune, they greeted the authorities. In addition to Minister Robles and Juanma Moreno, there was the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the Secretary of State for Defense and the Secretary of the National Intelligence Center, Esperanza Casteleiro.
The parade began with the traditional parachute jump of a member of the Parachute Acrobatic Patrol of the Air and Space Army who carried the national banner. However, it was a historic leap, since for the first time and to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the entry of women into the Armed Forces, it was run by a soldier. First Corporal Carmen Gómez Hurtado, an experienced skydiver with 2,740 jumps behind her.
The last one was held on Friday on Motril beach, during the naval review and the dynamic exhibition. But hitting the landing in the narrow Gonzalo Gallas roundabout required perfect technique, which was celebrated with the applause of those present.
As every year, the King reviewed the Honors Battalion of the Royal Guard, raised the national flag and paid tribute to those who gave their lives for Spain. After the prayer bell, the Eagle Patrol made a pass through the sky that gave way to the air parade of 70 aircraft, which was followed by the ground parade along a non-linear route 1,700 meters long. The parade was opened by the motorcycle section of the Royal Guard, followed by a motorized parade that included the participation of 150 vehicles, including tanks. Already on foot, representatives of the three armies formed in six groups paid honors to the King.
The parade ended an hour and a half later with the mounted units and new cheers to the King, who was given a mass bath in which popular acclamations were constant.
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