Spanish Legion marks 106th anniversary in Melilla with readiness pledge

Military ceremony at Millán Astray barracks

The Spanish Legion marked its 106th anniversary on Sunday, 20 September 2026, with a military parade at the Millán Astray barracks in the autonomous city of Melilla. Army Chief of Staff General Amador Enseñat y Berea presided over the official event, which was attended by regional leaders, including the President of Melilla Juan José Imbroda and Government Delegate Sabrina Moh. During the ceremony, legionnaires conducted the traditional tribute to the fallen, carrying the Christ of the Good Death on their shoulders under a light rain to the melody of the anthem Novio de la Muerte. Colonel Ignacio García del Castillo, head of the Tercio Gran Capitán 1st of the Legion based in Melilla, commanded the formation and delivered the keynote address.

Operational readiness and border tensions

Addressing the gathered officials, Colonel García del Castillo focused on operational preparedness, declaring that his troops stand ready to intervene immediately and resolutely whenever formal orders arrive. His remarks touched on the border situation affecting Ceuta and Melilla since late July 2026, when entries of migrants prompted the governments of both autonomous cities to describe the situation as an invasion. García del Castillo stated that the prevailing conditions require composure, thorough preparation against uncertainty, and decisiveness in action, noting that the regiment remains cohesive, disciplined, and focused on its duties.

It is not up to us to make political analyses, it is up to us to be prepared.

Sovereign territories and historical connection

Colonel García del Castillo reaffirmed the strategic role of military detachments in North African sovereign territories, asserting that Ceuta and Melilla represent Spain. He sent fraternal greetings to the soldiers of the General Command of Ceuta, singling out the Tercio Duque de Alba 2nd of the Legion for expressions of respect and admiration. García del Castillo also invoked the historical relationship between the 1st Tercio and Melilla, recalling that the unit deployed rapidly in 1921 when the city required immediate reinforcement following an operational repositioning.

Rejection of public criticism

The colonel also responded to external commentary, citing media and social network discussions that he stated have sought to cast doubt on the reputation of the Legion. He asserted that troops maintain the strict internal discipline that defines the Spanish Armed Forces, remaining ready to execute missions or face fatal risks when ordered to serve Spain. García del Castillo ended the address with traditional salutes to Spain, the King, and the Legion, reiterating that the unit will stay at its post in silence while maintaining vigilance.

While some allow themselves the luxury of questioning the performance of the Armed Forces, we fulfill iron discipline, which defines us: we are more than prepared to fulfill any mission. That is our greatness.