How much money does the October 12 parade of the Armed Forces in Madrid cost?

Each October 12 It is celebrated in Madrid and many other cities in Spain, the Columbus day, the National Holiday, which commemorates the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. One of the most notable moments is the parade of the Armed Forceswhich takes place through the main streets of the capital. How much does it cost?

Present in this parade are the Kings, senior government officials and various civil and military authorities. This year’s parade will bring together more than 4,000 members of the Armed Forces and the State Security Forces and Bodies, along with 85 aircraft, 166 vehicles and motorcycles, and more than 200 horses. Among all the participants, 3,619 will be men and only 473 women.

In addition, along the route (from the roundabout of Emperor Charles V to the Plaza de Colón) they congregate every year about 10,000 attendees between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

How much does the October 12 parade in Madrid cost?

For years, the budget for the parade has been around 500,000 euros, except in 2020, when due to the pandemic an event was held in the Plaza de la Armería of the Royal Palace, which cost just under 60,000 euros. In 2021, the expense was 446,517 euros, while that of 2022 was the most expensive of all, costing 581,583 euros. The official figure of 2023 was not made known, but was placed between 400,000 and 600,000 euros, a cost that also applies to the parade 2024.

In 2022, the Ministry of Defense provided economic data broken down by concepts from previous years through the Transparency Portal. Almost the half of the money goes to pay per diemswhose quantities increase every year. and almost the other half, for the rental and fuel of the vehicles.

Less than 10% of spending is allocated to meetings and other expenses, which include concepts such as adaptation of premises, consumables and advertising. The soldiers who participate in the parade do not get paidsince it is part of their functions as public officials within the Armed Forces.

Schedule and route of the October 12 parade

The military parade on October 12 in Madrid will begin at 11:00 in the Cánovas del Castillo square (Neptune Fountain). Before the parade, the authorities, including the Chief of the Defense Staff, the Minister of Defense and the President of the Government, will meet in front of the royal tribune, where the Kings will arrive to receive military honors. The King will review the Honors Battalion of the Royal Guard.

A paratrooper will descend with the Spanish flag to the grandstand, followed by the official raising. Next, a tribute to those who fell for the countryaccompanied by the overflight of the Águila Patrol.

The land and aerial parade will begin at the main entrance of the Botanical Garden and will travel along Paseo del Prado and Recoletos until you reach the Plaza de Colón. After finishing the parade, the monarchs will say goodbye and the flag will be lowered.

The complete act will consist of the following parts.