Madrid hosts this Monday, October 12, 2026, the military parade of the National Day, one of the main institutional events of the year, which will bring together the Armed Forces and representatives of the main institutions of the State. The central event will begin at 11:00 hours and will proceed along the Paseo del Prado, the Plaza de Cibeles, and the Paseo de Recoletos until reaching Colón.
The City Council of Madrid expects the attendance of about 80,000 people, for which it has prepared a special security and mobility device that will include traffic restrictions on the main streets of the route and its surroundings.
Those who want to witness the parade will be able to do so from the areas designated for the public along the itinerary, although it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds and follow the instructions of the security services.
What time does the parade on October 12 start
The central event of the National Day is scheduled for 11:00 hours on Monday, October 12. From that moment, the institutional program will unfold, which traditionally includes the arrival of the Kings, military honors, the tribute to those who gave their lives for Spain, and the aerial and ground parade.
The start time of the event does not necessarily mean that the ground units will begin to parade at 11:00 sharp, as the protocol ceremonies must take place beforehand.
The total duration will depend on the final program and the development of the different acts.
Route of the military parade in Madrid
The planned itinerary for this year's parade crosses some of the main streets in the center of Madrid, from the area around Atocha to the Plaza de Colón.
Start: Glorieta de Carlos V (Atocha)
- Glorieta de Carlos V
- Paseo del Prado
- Plaza de Cibeles
- Paseo de Recoletos
- Plaza de Colón
Where to watch the parade on October 12
The public will be able to follow the parade from the spaces designated by the organization along the route. Among the main areas from which the passage of the military units can be witnessed are the Paseo del Prado, the area around Cibeles, and the Paseo de Recoletos.
The choice of location will depend on the influx of spectators and the restrictions that are established in each section. Some areas near the authority stands may have limited access.
For those who want to avoid the most crowded spots, it may be convenient to look for space in the designated areas of the Paseo del Prado or Recoletos, although there are no official occupancy forecasts by zones.
The broadcast of the event is also planned through RTVE, an alternative for those who prefer to follow the ceremony and the parade without traveling to the center of Madrid.
Traffic cuts for the parade on October 12
The municipal device includes traffic cuts between 07:00 and 15:00 hours on Monday, October 12, approximately, along the parade route and numerous nearby streets.
The restrictions will particularly affect the roundabout of Emperor Charles V, the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Recoletos, and Colón, in addition to roads such as Alfonso XII, Felipe IV, Antonio Maura, Santa María de la Cabeza, and the Paseo de la Infanta Isabel.
Restrictions have also been planned during the night from Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 for rehearsals and preparations.
How to get there by public transport
The City Council recommends using public transport and avoiding traveling by car in the center of Madrid.
The Cercanías stations of Atocha and Recoletos are two of the main alternatives to access the route. The nearby Metro stations can also be used, as long as they remain open and no specific access restrictions are established for security reasons.
The device will affect several EMT bus lines and certain taxi stops. In addition, seven BiciMAD stations will remain closed between 07:00 and 15:00 hours, including those located in Cibeles, Recoletos, and the vicinity of the Museo del Prado.
What time does the parade end
The municipal program places the lowering of the flag at 13:30 hours and anticipates that the events will conclude around 15:00 hours, although the development of the ceremony may introduce changes.
During the day, units of the Armed Forces and security forces will participate, with land and air resources. The program includes the review of the force, honors to the flag, tribute to the fallen, and the air and ground parades.
Where to watch the parade on television
RTVE will offer the broadcast of the military parade through La 1 and RTVE Play. The special coverage will begin at 10:00 hours, before the start of the central event, scheduled for 11:00.
Those who attend in person must take into account that 11:00 hours marks the start of the institutional ceremony, not the immediate passage of all military units along the route.
The municipal recommendation is to check the mobility restrictions and arrive well in advance, especially in the areas near Cibeles and Colón, where a good part of the institutional device is concentrated.