During the raising of the Spanish flag at the central event of the Armed Forces Day (DIFAS) in Vigo, the national ensign came loose and fell while it was almost unfurled. The military personnel present quickly retrieved it.
The incident caused surprise to King Felipe VI, who was observing from the stands accompanied for the first time by Princess Leonor. The fall could have been due to a technical problem, related to a loose rope at the top of the mast.
After honoring the fallen soldiers, the king ordered a soldier carrying a standard with another Spanish flag to position himself under the mast so that the national ensign could preside over the ground parade.
Cancellation of the air parade
The weather conditions forced the cancellation of the air show, scheduled for the day. The fog and the risk of showers prevented the participation of the Spanish Air and Space Force Parachuting Acrobatic Team (PAPEA) and the Mirlo formation, scheduled for the end and responsible for representing the national flag in the skies of Vigo.
Attendees were informed of the cancellation via loudspeaker, while the event was taking place on Samil avenue.
This is not the first time an event of this nature has had a mishap. In 2019, during the October 12th parade, paratrooper Luis Fernando Pozo was carrying the national flag until he got caught on a lamppost by a gust of wind that altered his trajectory.
Development of the event and institutional attendance
The 2026 edition began at 12:00 PM with the arrival of the monarchs at the royal box, the rendering of honors, and the troop review by the king. The event was attended by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, the military leadership headed by the JEMAD, and civilian authorities such as the mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero.
The ground parade covered 1.1 kilometers of Samil avenue and included the participation of 3,700 personnel, more than one hundred vehicles, and 32 motorcycles. This edition was notable for the first attendance of Princess Leonor, reinforcing her institutional role and her training as future captain general.