Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the grand setting on Saturday, 7th June, for the main event of Armed Forces Day 2025, featuring a grand military parade with over 3,260 personnel from the three services, the Military Emergency Unit, the Royal Guard, and the Civil Guard. This event, attended by the Spanish monarchs, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, marks the return of such celebrations to the Canary Islands after forty years.
From early morning, thousands of locals gathered in the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to witness a day aimed at strengthening the ties between citizens and the Armed Forces, showcasing their work both within and outside the national territory.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia Attend the Military Parade in Tenerife – Photography by Andrés Gutiérrez
King Felipe VI Returns to Tenerife Nearly Four Decades After His First Parade
King Felipe VI previously attended this event in 1986 as a cadet at the General Military Academy. On this occasion, he presided over the event wearing the Navy’s ceremonial uniform, accompanied by Queen Letizia. They were greeted by the Defence Minister, Margarita Robles; the CHOD, Teodoro Esteban López Calderón; the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo; and the city’s mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez.
The parade commenced with the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, and the raising of the flag. The public responded with enthusiasm, cheering the Royals and applauding throughout the event, which took place over a 1,120-metre route from Penetración Sur Avenue to Víctor Zurita Soler roundabout.
Aerial, Ground, and Paratrooper Display
One of the most spectacular moments was the 1,000-metre parachute jump by the Air Force’s acrobatic team (PAPEA). Corporal Iván García-Estrada was the first to land, carrying a flag with the emblem of the 10th anniversary of the King’s proclamation. Corporal Francisco Vico followed, bearing a 24-square-metre Spanish flag.
The aerial display featured 45 aircraft, including Eurofighters, F-18s, Harriers, and helicopters from the Aspa Patrol, though around ten were grounded due to weather conditions. The Eagle Patrol, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, both opened and closed the parade with their trademark aerial stunts, painting the Spanish flag in the sky.
The ground parade showcased armoured vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles from various units, with a total of 67 vehicles and 33 bikes. The march was led, as usual, by the Military Emergency Unit and the Legion, accompanied by their iconic mascot, the billy goat Camarón.
Week of Events in the Archipelago
The parade capped off a week of activities in the Canary Islands marking Armed Forces Day. Highlights included a naval review, dynamic exhibitions, and an aerial parade held on Friday in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which King Felipe VI also attended. The event saw the debut of the Spanish submarine S-81 ‘Isaac Peral’, visible to hundreds from the promenade and Las Alcaravaneras beach.
