The city of Vigo threw itself into the Armada during the Armed Forces Day of 2026.

The Vigo estuary and Samil beach became the main stage for a week marked by large crowds and an excellent atmosphere throughout all the events. The Armada played a prominent role in the main events organized for the Armed Forces Day, showcasing its capabilities and daily work to the Galician citizens.

One of the highlights of the week was the Naval Review held in the Vigo estuary, presided over by His Majesty the King aboard the offshore patrol vessel ‘Audaz’. Numerous citizens watched from the shore as the participating naval units passed by, demonstrating the strong bond between the Armada and this city, historically linked to the sea.

Later, Samil Beach hosted a joint dynamic demonstration, which generated enormous excitement among the spectators. During the demonstration, different operational capabilities of the Armed Forces were shown, including amphibious operations, rescue exercises, and coordinated actions in emergency scenarios, highlighting the high level of readiness and coordination of the participating units.

Throughout the week, thousands of people also visited the static displays, attended concerts, and educational activities organized in Vigo, actively participating in a celebration that once again demonstrated the enormous support of the public for its Armed Forces.

The main event of the Armed Forces Day (DIFAS), a military parade, held on Samil Avenue and presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen and Her Royal Highness the Princess of Asturias, wrapped up a week of great organization and participatory success. Adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of some of the planned air displays, a circumstance that did not diminish the brilliance of a celebration marked by the enthusiasm of the public and the constant appreciation shown to the participants.

This year's edition also coincided with the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the birth of Álvaro de Bazán, a key figure in Spanish naval history and a lasting model for the Armada.

With this DIFAS 2026, Vigo in particular and Galicia as a whole, have once again demonstrated their close relationship with the Armada and the Armed Forces, in a week that will be marked by the closeness, citizen support and the success of participation experienced in all the scheduled events.