Controversy in Spain over the halt to the military shows on May 2 in Madrid
No to the Patrulla Águila and the Paratroopers of the legendary PAPEA: In Spain, controversy rages after the decision by the Socialist Government of Pedro Sánchez to completely exclude the armed forces from the celebrations of May 2, a very heartfelt holiday in the Community of Madrid. What is causing discussion is above all the absence not only of the traditional land military parade, but also of the acclaimed air shows of the Patrulla Águila and the PAPEA paratroopers, protagonists in recent years of evocative displays above the Puerta del Sol.
The move has raised a wave of criticism from the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Diaz Ayuso, who did not hesitate to define the choice as a “symbolic censorship”. The Madrid regional government declared itself deeply annoyed by a decision that, in their opinion, deprives citizens of an element of identity and highly symbolic on the day that celebrates the insurrection of the Madrid people against the Napoleonic invasion of 1808.
According to the spokesperson of the regional government, Miguel Angel Garcia Martin, the order to exclude any form of military presence would not have come directly from the Minister of Defense Margarita Robles, but from “higher levels”, implying that it is a directive imposed by the President of the Government himself. The institutional rift between Moncloa and the Real Casa de Correos, the seat of the Madrid government, now appears irreparable.
Already last year the presence of the Eagle Patrol at Dos de Mayo had made several members of the central government turn up their noses. The performance, although spectacular and appreciated by the public, had been hard to digest for Moncloa, especially because it was linked to a regional administration led by a politically opposed figure like Isabel Díaz Ayuso. The same type of tension has now been amplified, leading to a total exclusion of the armed forces from the celebrations.
La PAPAE – acronym of Acrobática de Paracaidismo del Ejército del Aire del Espacio – has been one of the most evocative attractions of May 2 for years. Its members performed extremely complex jumps in the heart of Madrid, maneuvering in the narrow space of the Puerta del Sol with a precision that had always drawn applause and emotion. This tradition has now also been cancelled, arousing indignation among many citizens.
In response to this decision, the regional government reacted firmly: No member of the Central Executive will receive official invitations to participate in the celebrations of the May Day. Furthermore, any attempts by ministers or government representatives to “introduce themselves” will be blocked by the institutional protocol, which will inform them that they are not welcome. The veto has also been extended to the government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martin, with which the Region has severed all official relations.
Meanwhile, Ayuso and his staff are working on a series of alternative activities that can offer a program “up to the standards of the people of Madrid and their most heartfelt celebration”, in an attempt to not overly burden the absence of the military component and still ensure a solemn and engaging event.
Meanwhile, far from political controversy, the Eagle Patrol is preparing to celebrate his 40th anniversary with a big one International Air Festival called “Air 25”, which will be held in Saint Javier (Murcia) on June 14th and 15th. The event will see the participation of some of the most famous aerobatic teams in the world, such as the Tricolour Arrows Italian, the Red Arrows of the United Kingdom, the Patrol of France and the Swiss Patrol.
Other Air Force assets will also take part in the festival, including Eurofighter, F-18, A400M, helicopters NH90 and vehicles of the Guardia Civil and the Armada. It will also be an opportunity to greet the legendary C-101 “Poultry Ass”, a training aircraft in service for almost 40 years, which will soon give way to a new generation of aircraft.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
