Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia attended events to celebrate Spain’s national day alongside their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía in Madrid.
The day began at Plaza de Lima where they joined representatives of the Spanish government including Acting Government Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez and the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. Representatives for each branch of the military participated with the Paratrooper Brigade having the honour this year in carrying the Flag of Spain.
The national anthem was played, and the King laid a flower tribute during the homage to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Next was the Acrobatic Patrol “Eagle” drawing the National Ensemble in the air before the military parade took place.
The King and Royal Family sat in the royal box as the military marched by.
The family then headed to the Royal Palace of Madrid where the King and Queen hosted the annual reception for members of the government, civil service, and others from national public life. King Felipe and Queen Letizia greeted their guests in the Throne Room, and the dinner took place in the Gala Dining Hall and the Salons of Gasparini and Carlos III.
Fiesta Nacional de España is held each year on 12 October and commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas for the first time in 1492.
