October 12th is Spain’s National Holiday,- Hispanic Day (Fiesta Nacional de España or Dia de la Hispanidad.)

It commemorates the day which Christopher Columbus reportedly landed in America, and is therefore related to the Columbus Day celebrations held on the same day  across the Americas.

The Holiday generally features a parade led by the military (usually held in Madrid) presided by the Spanish King. The President also plays a major role in the ceremony, second only to the role of the King. Then a number of National, Regional and foreign dignitaries are invited to attend the parade and aerobatics performed by the Spanish Armed Forces, typically by the Patrulla Aguila.

.