Royal Family Preside Over Pascua Militar Celebrations

January 06, 2012 – Madrid, Spain

Members of the Spanish Royal Family presided over the annual Pascua Militar celebrations in Madrid on January 6th, the Roman Catholic Feast of the Epiphany.

The traditional ceremony started at noon and took place at the Palacio Real in Madrid. His Majesty The King, in the presence of the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Asturias, reviewed members of the armed forces and the Royal Guard. The Royal Family then hosted a reception at the throne room of the Palacio Real, where His Majesty delievered his annual New Year’s Speech.

The Pascua Militar dates back to the reign of Carlos III, when, on January 6, 1782, Spanish forces retook Menorca, which had been in British hands. As an expression of joy, Carlos III ordered that the military would be henceforth honored on the Feast of the Epiphany.

Read more about the 2012 Pascua Militar here.

Filed under Spain
Tagged Felipe VI of Spain, Juan Carlos I of Spain, Military, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain.