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Their Majesties the Kings preside over the celebration of the Day of the Armed Forces 2023 in Granada

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Number: 9353

On June 3rd

It is the first time that the Andalusian city hosts this event in which more than 3,000 soldiers and 80 aircraft participated


Tribute to those who gave their lives for Spain

Tribute to those who gave their lives for Spain

Granada hosted the traditional Day of the Armed Forces (DIFAS) parade, celebrated on June 3rd, with the participation of more than 3,000 soldiers.

Surrounded by numerous audiences of all ages, Their Majesties the Kings of Spain, Don Felipe and Doña Letizia, arrived at the Albert Einstein Square in Granada at 12.00 a.m. to preside over the military parade. There, they were accompanied by various civilian and military authorities, including the Minister of Defence Margarita Robles, and the Chief of Staff of the Army Amador Enseñat y Berea.

With a completely clear sky, one of the highlights of the day was the parachute jump with the national Flag, carried by Corporal Mª del Carmen Gómez, the first woman to perform this event on a Day of the Armed Forces.

Especially touching was the act of homage to those who gave their lives for Spain, when the names of the soldiers who died in the last year, belonging to the three Armies, were pronounced. King Philip VI was commissioned to lay a laurel wreath, symbolizing eternal recognition of those who sacrificed everything for their country.

59 airplanes and 27 helicopters participated in the air parade, coming from bases throughout Spain. These included aircrafts of all types, from Eurofighter, F-18 or Harrier fighters, to heavy transport aircrafts, to maneuvering, transport or attack helicopters.

After them, the land parade began, led by members of the 10th "Guzmán el Bueno" Brigade and which included a representation of different military units and the Civil Guard, as well as 150 vehicles and mobile units, along with various equipment. As usual, the Legion, with their "160 steps per minute and one heart," the Regular Groups and the Cavalry units closed the parade, finally culminating the military act with the lowering of the Spanish Flag.

 

King Philip VI greets the Chief of Staff of the Army

King Philip VI greets the Chief of Staff of the Army

Parallel activities

On the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces 2023, the Grenadians, as well as all those who visited the city these days, could enjoy a series of parallel activities, scheduled with the aim of bringing the work of the Armed Forces even closer to society.

Thus, between May 31st and June 2nd, the Paseo del Salón and the bullring were the spaces selected to host a static exhibition of material, as well as cynological or parachutist exhibitions, which had a large audience. Especially well received were all the options made available to the youngest, such as a children's rink, a climbing wall, a zip line or the simulation of a demining station. Therefore, during these days, many groups of schoolchildren carried out scheduled visits, coming from schools and colleges of the capital and throughout the province of Granada.

Likewise, different military and civilian bands roamed the streets of the capital until they met on the esplanade of the Palacio de Congresos, where they offered a free concert on the afternoon of June 1st.

Aeronaval review in Motril

The port of Motril was another of the highlights of the program organized in commemoration of the Day of the Armed Forces. There, on June 2nd, an aeronaval review was held under the chairmanship of King Philip VI. Ships, parachute jumps and helicopter acrobatics delighted those present on the beachfront.

 

Land parade in Granada

Land parade in Granada