SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 10 Nov (EUROPA PRESS) –
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is set to host the commemoration of Armed Forces Day in 2025, as confirmed to the city’s mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, by the chief of the Defence Staff, Teodoro E. López Calderón. This follows the mayor’s invitation for the principal events of this occasion to be held in the capital of Tenerife.
On 18 September, the mayor sent a letter to both the Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and the Chief of the General Staff, offering the city as a venue for the annual celebration, which highlights the dedication, effort, and commitment of Armed Forces members.
“It is a great honour for Santa Cruz that our invitation to host Armed Forces Day here has been accepted. This is not only an opportunity for promotion for our municipality but also a chance to showcase our organisational and coordination abilities in managing significant celebrations. This event underscores our status as the capital of the Canary Islands,” stated the mayor.
Bermúdez also expressed his gratitude to Lieutenant General Julio Salom Herrera, head of the Canary Islands Command of the Army, for “the collaboration and support he has provided us in achieving this objective.”
In his letter to the Minister of Defence, the mayor elaborated, “there are numerous connections that link Santa Cruz with its Armed Forces. The notable presence of Army Units and the Military Emergency Unit is complemented by the close proximity to the sister island of Gran Canaria, which hosts a considerable deployment of Navy and Air Force units, in addition to the Civil Guard. Furthermore, it should be noted that, since 1986, the Canary Islands have not hosted a similar celebration on its territory.”
“The year 1986 was particularly significant for us, as it is still fondly remembered on the islands, with the then Prince of Asturias parading as a Cadet alongside the General Academy of Zaragoza. Therefore, it would be a privilege to welcome HM the King, this time acting as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and to HRH the Princess of Asturias, should her military training schedule permit,” Bermúdez remarked.
The mayor highlighted that the coincidence of the 1986 anniversary with the 2025 celebration “will render the parade in this capital both emotional and one-of-a-kind. Achieving this requires our complete cooperation, along with that of the Cabildo of Tenerife and the Canarian Government.” “Our relationship with the Canary Islands Command of the Army and other Armed Forces Commands is very strong, and from the outset, collaboration will be assured,” he added.
In the correspondence sent by the Chief of the Defence Staff to José Manuel Bermúdez, it is noted that Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the Saturday closest to 30 May, the holiday of King Fernando III, the Saint. A different city is selected each year for the celebration, which is overseen by Their Majesties the Kings of Spain.
Aside from the military parade, various activities occur in the days leading up to the event, such as static and dynamic exhibitions of equipment, a military music gathering, and demonstrations of personnel and material.
According to Admiral General López Calderón’s letter, “in light of all the above, and following his letter to the Minister of Defence on 18 September, we are considering celebrating Armed Forces Day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.”
“Our aim – the letter continues – is to ensure that the Spanish public gains a better understanding of their armed forces and to foster closer ties with the community we serve. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with its infrastructure, traditions, and connections with the Armed Forces, would be an excellent location for the celebration of ‘Armed Forces Day.’
He concludes by stating, “for this reason, it would be a privilege for us to share a demonstration of the capabilities of our Armed Forces with all the residents of Tenerife, and particularly with the locals from Chicharreros.”
Last year, the capital of Asturias, Oviedo, was the venue for this celebration, presided over by Their Majesties the Kings of Spain, and involving a total of 3,250 soldiers and 147 vehicles in the land parade, which covered a distance of approximately one kilometre.
