Pascua Militar

After this, they go to the Throne Room of the Royal Palace where the Monarch rewards some military officers.

During this day, both the Monarch and the Defence Minister hold speeches to the Government, the highest officers of the Armed Forces and other authorities.

[1][2][3] King Charles III established this ceremony on the occasion of the recapture of Menorca from the British, carried out by a Franco-Spanish army of 52 ships in 1782 and the Spanish Navy Marines.

As an expression of joy, Charles III ordered the Viceroys, Captain Generals, Governors and Military commanders to gather the garrisons at the feast of the Epiphany and to notify their commanders and officers of the armies of their congratulations on their behalf.

[4] The Chief of the Defence Staff between 2008 and 2012 in Spain, Julio Rodríguez, is of the opinion that this event could be an opportunity to open up the Spanish Armies to the public,[5] instead of keeping a ceremony closed just for the military.