Madrid Leads Commemoration Of Spain´s National Day

The 12th October is the Fiesta Nacional de España with Madrid taking centre stage for the official commemorations taking place today.

The historical significance of the date October 12 is that was chosen on the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas by Christopher Columbus to celebrate the Spanish race or Día de la Raza which included all Spanish speaking countries whose links to Spain stem from the 1492 discovery and subsquent Conquista.

Following the restoration of democracy the newly named Dia de Hispanidad or Fiesta Nacional became enthrined in the new constitution of 1978.

Today as every year the king, his government and regional premiers will be in Madrid for the official military parade featuring all three branches of the armed forces as well as the Civil Guard. The parade concludes with a flyeover over the capital by the Spanish Air Force.

The official commemoration begins with the arrival of King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their daughters including the heir apparent, Princess Leonor  who is presently conducting her military training with the Spanish Navy.

WATCH THE PARADE LIVE