KING AND QUEEN ATTEND MILITARY TRIBUTE IN MALAGA (SPAIN) 29th MAY

Thousands turned out this weekend to witness the numerous events that formed part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations in the city of Malaga.

On Sunday some 50,000 people crowded into the Paseo de Parque for the final part of the celebrations which was attended by King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía as well as the Prince and Princess of Asturias and Defence Minister Carme Chacón, among other authorities. Some 250 servicemen and women from the three armed forces took part in the flag ceremony and the tribute to the fallen followed by a 21-gun salute.

The previous day an estimated 80,000 people gathered on the Malagueta beach and promenade for the exhibition that took place on land, sea and air. While Harrier jet fighters and helicopters landed and took off from the Príncipe de Asturias aircraft carrier, a demonstration of the forces' skills and resources was given in the form of a staged operation to rescue UN observers captured by rebels. The exhibition culminated in an aerobatics display put on by the Patrulla Águila who finished by painting the Spanish flag in the sky with their vapour trails.