On October 16, 2026, the Maspalomas Lighthouse will become an exceptional setting for the naval history of Gran Canaria. The Admiral Commander of the Canary Islands Naval Command has convened a solemn Flag Oath ceremony for civilians, an event that seeks to strengthen the ties between the population and the Spanish Navy. This year's ceremony also has a commemorative dimension: the 431st anniversary of the heroic defense of the island against the assault by English pirates, a milestone that forged part of the archipelago's defensive identity and is now remembered with this gesture of civic commitment. You can register. here.
The event, which will take place at 18:30 p.m. in an iconic setting for tourism and history in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, has a limited capacity of 100 places for citizens who wish to reaffirm their commitment to the State. To participate, the Ministry of Defense has established clear requirements: applicants must hold Spanish nationality, be of legal age, and not have participated in an oath or pledge to the national flag in the last 25 years.
The administrative machinery for processing these applications is already in place. Those interested have until October 2, 2026, to formalize their registration. The process is designed to facilitate citizen participation through the Ministry of Defense's electronic headquarters or the General Electronic Registry of the Spanish State Administration (AGE). For those without a digital signature, the Ministry offers the option of downloading the form and submitting it in person at the Registry Assistance Offices or directly at the Sub-delegation of Defense corresponding to their province of residence.
This ceremony, far from being a mere bureaucratic formality, is presented as an exercise in historical memory and social cohesion. The choice of the Maspalomas Lighthouse, a landmark and lookout point over the Atlantic, adds symbolic weight to the oath, connecting military tradition with the daily life of a predominantly tourist municipality. After the registration period closes, the organizing unit will contact those selected directly to coordinate the protocols and details of an event that promises to be one of the most unique moments of autumn in Gran Canaria.
With this type of event, the Navy not only commemorates a strategic 16th-century victory, but also opens its doors to the public in a format that combines institutional solemnity with active participation. Those wishing to participate must ensure they submit their documentation before the deadline, thus guaranteeing their place in this commemoration that unites, in a single location, the historical defense of Gran Canaria with the present of the municipality.
