Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Celebrates Armed Forces Day with Military Exhibitions

Thousands of people, children and adults alike, enjoyed helicopters, combat vehicles, and simulators in an event that brought the military's work closer to the public.

Military helicopter flying over the coast of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria during the Armed Forces Day celebration.
IA

Military helicopter flying over the coast of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria during the Armed Forces Day celebration.

The Armed Forces celebrated their day in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with a large deployment of equipment and activities for all ages, including flight simulators and combat vehicles.

Thousands of citizens gathered this Saturday around the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium and La Cícer beach to participate in activities organized for Armed Forces Day. The Army, the Air and Space Force, the Navy, the Civil Guard, and the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) showcased their capabilities and equipment.
Attendees, many of them families with children, had the opportunity to climb aboard helicopters, amphibious and combat vehicles, and view weaponry displays, alongside various demonstrations. Youngsters particularly enjoyed the simulators, such as the F-18 piloting simulator, and activities like mine detection.

"There are many things for the children."

Alejandro's mother
The event, which began at 10:00 AM, became an attractive leisure option, where excitement was not exclusive to the younger generation. Adults like María Soledad Hernández, a resident of Gran Canaria for over 30 years, showed great interest, boarding helicopter and aircraft cockpits and participating in simulated bomb disposal exercises.
At La Cícer beach, canine unit demonstrations took place, showcasing their skills in attack and explosive detection missions. The 802 Search and Rescue Squadron of the Air and Space Force also performed a maritime rescue demonstration with their Super Puma helicopter.
The day concluded with the Flag Raising ceremony and an aerial and ground parade, presided over by the commanders of the participating units.