Spanish Royal Family Preside Over Pascua Militar Celebrations

Madrid – January 6th, 2013

Members of the Spanish Royal Family presided over the annual Pascua Militar Celebrations in Madrid on January 6th, 2013 – the Roman Catholic Feast of the Epiphany.

The traditional ceremony started at noon and took place at The Palacio Real in Madrid. In attendance this year were the King, Queen and the Prince and Princess of Asturias. His Majesty the King, despite still being on crutches, stood on the review stand with the Queen, Prince and Princess.

The Royal Family then hosted a reception at the Gasparini Hall at the Palacio Real where they greeted members of the defence forces and members of the Government. Following this, King Juan Carlos delivered his annual New Years Speech from the Throne Room of the Palace.

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

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