This year 2023 our city, Granada, hosts the celebration of the Armed Forces Day. In iNMSOL we are very curious to see the events that will be held these days… Do you want to know what they are?
Armed Forces Day in Granada
The Armed Forces Day is a day in which the Spanish, both civilian and military, meet with the aim of recalling the importance that their Armed Forces have in our society, in accordance with the provisions of the Spanish Constitution and with the spirit of our Royal Ordinances.
It also serves to recognize the work of our country’s military. Especially those far from their homeland. In addition to those that are integrated into permanent surveillance and security operations in areas of interest. And also to all those who continue to serve our homeland, who stand out in a spirit of service, discipline and a sense of duty.
Our military, in accordance with the Constitution, demonstrate day by day Spain’s commitment to peace and international security. Indeed, they are engaged with our partners in deterrence and security. In addition, they are projecting stability in countries in conflict, so that their societies can develop their full potential in full freedom and normality.
What are the Armed Forces?
The armed forces, according to the source of the Ministry of Defence, are responsible for guaranteeing the sovereignty and independence of Spain, defending its territorial integrity and the constitutional order. They are made up of the Army, Navy and Air Force working under the operational direction of the Defense General Staff. The men and women who compose them are professionals, since in 2002 compulsory military service was abolished in Spain.
Celebration of the Defenders of Peace and Freedom in Granada in 2023
The acceptance process for the Day to be held in Granada and Motril in 2023 began two years ago, when the Granada City Council announced that it would promote a candidacy to run, approved at a plenary session of the Consistory in March 2021 with the joint support of all political groups.
Armed Forces Day dates back to 1978 when it was established to perform an institutional act that would serve as a tribute to the Armies and the Navy and to promote knowledge and its integration into society. For the first time this year, 2023, will be held in Granada.
As the Chief of Defense Staff (JEMAD) commented, Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón, at the presentation of the Armed Forces Day in Granada,
“the decision to celebrate here such a special day for all of us who form the Armed Forces could not have been more successful. Because, in addition to being a millenary and monumental city and treasuring a great historical and cultural legacy, Granada has maintained and maintains a historical link with the militia”.
Presence of Armies in Granada
According to the article on the Armed Forces Day, published on the website Granada Digital, in the province of Granada the Army is present. There is an army presence in the capital. In Armilla and its Air Base, the first airfield in the province and one of the oldest in Spain, is the Air Force. Meanwhile, the Spanish Navy is based in the port of Motril, which will also take part in the military celebration.
Granada and Motril will host the commemorative events of the Armed Forces Day on 31 May, 1, 2 and 3 June.
Programme of activities from 31 May 2023
On the Granada City Council page, we can find the detailed list of activities that can be carried out from May 31.
Events in the city of Granada
STATIC/DYNAMIC MATERIAL EXHIBITION: Sample of materials from the Army of Earth, Navy and the Air and Space Army. UME and Guardia Civil. Demonstration of armoured and mechanized vehicles, climbing wall, child application track, child demining area.
PASEO DEL SALÓN
- Wednesday, 31 May to Friday, 2 June
- Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 6:30 pm
- Friday from 10 to 7:30 pm
DISPLAY OF PERSONNEL AND MATERIAL: Section of flowered movements of the Royal Guard, explosive robot, cynological units and parachute jump. Squadron on horseback of the Civil Guard and Royal Guard. Evolution of horse carriages, dressage and cowgirl.
PLAZA DE TOROS
- Wednesday 31 May 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
MILITARY MUSIC MEETING: Meeting of the different music units participating in DIFAS which will begin their journey to reach the Esplanade of the Congress Palace from the following squares.
PALACIO DE CONGRESOS
- Thursday 1 June 7:00 pm:Plaza de Jesús Despojado. UM Guardia Real
Fountain of Battles. UM ACAR Tablada.
Plaza de Mariana Pineda UM Legion Brigade
Paseo del Salón. Municipal Music Band of Granada.
Tour of the Basilios. UM Guardia Civil
Plaza del Angel. UM Marine Third East
Concord Square. UM General Military Academy
(Units will depart staggered from 6 pm)
LAND AND AIR PARADE
- Saturday June 3, 12:00 am.
Route. Avda Fuente Nueva, Méndez Nuñez, Arabial, ending at the intersection of the Purchil Way.
Honors Group.
Incorporation of the National Flag
Tribute to those who gave their lives for Spain
Airshow
Earth Parade
Lowering of the National Flag
Events in the city of Motril
- 31 May, 1 June. MOTRIL PIER: NAVAL PRESENCE AND STATIC EXHIBITION
Visit to Navy and Civil Guard Ships. Sea baptisms in landing boats. Exhibition of Navy and Army equipment.
OPENING HOURS 10:00 to 8:00 pm - 2 June. MOTRIL BEACH: MAGAZINE AERONAVAL AND DYNAMIC EXHIBITION. Participation of 12 ships, 2 submarines, 11 aircraft and 12 helicopters. Acrobatic Patrol parachute jump, Air Army ASPA patrol demonstration. Demonstrations of persecution and arrest of drug traffickers by Guardia Civil and Amphibian and air exercise by the Navy.
OPENING HOURS 5:00 pm
We invite you to attend these events, tell us about your experience!