Armed Forces Day is a day to bring Spaniards, civilians and military personnel together, with the aim of increasing our society's knowledge of its Armed Forces, in accordance with the provisions of the Spanish Constitution and the spirit of our Royal Instructions.
On this day, it is also fair to recognise the work of our military personnel who are far from their homeland, engaged in operations abroad, involved in presence, surveillance and deterrence operations in our areas of interest, and, in general, of all those who continue serving our society, demonstrating values such as the spirit of service, discipline and a sense of duty.
Our military personnel demonstrate day by day Spain's commitment to international peace and security, participating with our allies in deterrence and security tasks, and providing stability in those countries that are in conflict circumstances or exceed their capabilities in order to achieve the security necessary for their societies to develop their full potential in complete freedom and normality.
Armed Forces Day dates back to 1978 when it was established to hold an institutional event to pay tribute to the Armies and the Navy and to promote awareness and their integration into society.
Oviedo and Gijón will host the main commemorative events of Armed Forces Day from 22 to 25 May.
The central event in Oviedo, presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, will be held on 25 May, Armed Forces Day.
Likewise, His Majesty the King will preside over the activities of the previous day on the beach of San Lorenzo in Gijón.
DIFAS 2024
In Oviedo, on 22 May, a static and dynamic display of Armed Forces equipment will be opened, which will remain on show until 24 May. Also on 24 May, a meeting of military music will be held in the Catedral square.
In Gijón, on the afternoon of Thursday 23 May, an exhibition of material will be held in Las Mestas.
Also in Gijón, on San Lorenzo beach, on the afternoon of Friday 24 May, the naval parade, a dynamic display and the air parade will take place, presided over by His Majesty the King.
The aircraft participating in the air parade will fly over Oviedo after their participation in the parade.
In addition, from the 22nd to the 26th of May it will be possible to visit various vessels of the Navy in the ports of Gijón and Avilés.
The main event in Oviedo, presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen, will take place on 25 May, Armed Forces Day, and will include the following:
*This year, for the first time, we are providing the citizens with two audio playlists which offer a description of the aircraft that will take part in the air parade on Friday 24 May at 18:00h on San Lorenzo Beach in Gijón, and also of the units that will participate in the ground parade on Saturday 25 May at 12:00h in Oviedo.
QR codes are attached providing access to the above lists (active from 20 May.)
The land parade, presided over by the King and Queen of Spain, the culmination of the celebration of the ‘Armed Forces Day 2024’.
2024/05/25In Oviedo
More informationKing Felipe VI presided over the naval review, a dynamic exhibition and air parade in Gijón on the eve of ‘Armed Forces Day 2024’.
2024/05/24In Gijón and Oviedo
More informationExhibition of military personnel and equipment in ‘Las Mestas’ for Armed Forces Day 2024
2024/05/23In Gijón
More informationActivities and events commemorating ‘Armed Forces Day 2024’ begin in Asturias
2024/05/22In Gijón and Oviedo
More informationThe CHOD has presented the program of events to celebrate the Armed Forces Day 2024.
2024/04/11In Siero, Asturias
More information