Spain’s Princess Leonor, Princess of Asturias is expected to become the first member of Spain’s royal family to undertake formal parachute training as part of her continuing military education. Spanish media reports state that the future queen will complete airborne instruction linked to Army training during the next phase of her preparation within Spain’s armed forces. The programme forms part of the wider military route established for Leonor after she began officer training in 2023.

The princess first entered the General Military Academy, where she trained alongside other cadets in the Spanish Army. Her education later continued with the Navy, including instruction aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. According to reports published in Spain, the parachuting phase would make Leonor the first member of the modern Spanish royal family to receive this type of specialist military instruction.

Military preparation linked to constitutional role

Leonor’s training programme is designed to prepare her for her future role as Spain’s head of state and constitutional commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Under Spain’s constitutional system, the monarch holds the symbolic position of supreme commander of the military. Her father, Felipe VI, also completed military training in the Army, Navy and Air Force before becoming king. However, reports indicate that formal parachute instruction was not part of the military preparation undertaken by previous members of the royal household.

Military parachuting courses in Spain generally involve physical preparation, theoretical instruction and supervised jumps carried out at specialised training facilities. Such programmes are usually linked to airborne brigades and Army operational units. No official timetable for Leonor’s parachute training has yet been publicly confirmed by the Royal Household or the Ministry of Defence. Spanish media reports have nevertheless described the instruction as part of her planned progression through military service.

Public attention focused on royal training

Leonor’s military education has received extensive public and media attention in Spain since it began. Her role as heir to the throne means each stage of the programme has been closely followed, particularly as the monarchy seeks to maintain public confidence and institutional stability. Photographs and official footage released during previous training periods have shown the princess participating in military exercises, ceremonies and naval operations alongside fellow cadets.

During her naval instruction, she took part in activities connected to the Spanish Navy’s annual training voyage aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The princess has also attended official events linked to Spain’s armed forces, national commemorations and state ceremonies alongside King Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano.

Long-standing royal and military tradition

Military training has historically formed part of preparation for future monarchs across several European royal families. In Spain, the tradition has continued through successive generations, particularly for heirs expected to assume constitutional responsibilities connected to the armed forces. Leonor’s military formation is scheduled to continue across the three branches of Spain’s military structure before eventually concluding with Air Force instruction. The reported parachuting phase is therefore viewed as one element within a broader programme rather than a standalone event.

Supporters of the training argue that it reinforces the monarchy’s institutional connection with the armed forces while also giving the future queen direct experience of military structures and responsibilities. Others see it as part of wider efforts to modernise the image of the Spanish monarchy and maintain public engagement with younger generations.

The Spanish Royal Household has not announced additional operational details regarding the parachuting instruction itself. However, reports that Leonor will complete airborne military training have already generated considerable interest in Spain because of the historic nature of the development within the royal family. If completed as expected, the training would mark another milestone in Leonor’s gradual preparation for the future role she is expected to assume as queen of Spain.

Marenostrum Fuengirola is taking live music to a new level this season with the incredible introduction of haptic t-shirts that allow concertgoers to physically feel the music through vibrations and sensory feedback. Developed by local Rhytmo, the innovation is designed to make live performances more accessible and immersive for people with hearing difficulties, meaning they can experience rhythm, bass, and musical intensity in a new and inclusive way.

How the haptic T-shirts work

Rhytmo’s garments are fitted with sensors and electrostimulators that convert sound into vibrations felt directly through the skin. Rather than simply listening, wearers experience rhythm, bass, and melody as physical pulses creating what the company describes as a fully immersive alternative sensory experience. Each garment costs around €300 to produce.

Rhytmo transforms music into physical sensations via electrostimulation, creating a new experience that engages other senses,” said Josema Ezquerra, Chief Executive of Rhytmo.

How can I get one this summer at Marenostrum Fuengirola 

This first phase will have approximately 20 t-shirts made available at concerts on the main Unicaja stage, with priority given to those with hearing or visual disabilities.  Anyone wishing to use one must contact the venue at least 24 hours before the event by emailing accesibilidad@marenostrumfuengirola.es, where staff will confirm availability and protocol.

A summer lineup worth feeling

This year’s line up is equally as impressive as the last. The iconic Sting performs on July 13, with Gipsy Kings following on August 9. Latin superstars Romeo Santos and Prince Royce are also due to perform and many, many others. 

The long-term accessibility commitment

Marenostrum Fuengirola has operated an accessibility Plan since 2019, partnering with Fundacion Music For All since 2023. Further measures this season include vibrating backpacks, magnetic hearing loops, subtitles, and sign language interpreters.

Rodrigo Rodríguez, Fuengirola’s Councillor for Culture, confirmed the goal is for every fan to enjoy live music on equal terms, regardless of physical ability.

For more information on the t-shirts and their other sensory equipment visit the Rhytmo website and for the festival visit the Marenostrum pages directly. 

The Costa Calida town of Mazarron is once again preparing to celebrate its young local talent and creativity within the fine arts, with the return of its popular “A Escena” theatre programme. This is a popular cultural initiative that places young performers in the spotlight, and with a varied programme of works, the event is expected to be a major draw for locals and visitors alike this spring.

A springtime event to inspire theatregoers in Mazarron

Running from May 19 to June 3, the event will take place at the town’s Cultural Centre auditorium, where audiences can enjoy the programme free of charge. The initiative, organised by the Universidad Popular de Mazarron, unites schools, theatre groups and educational institutions in a celebration of drama, aimed primarily at children and young people in the municipality.

A programme, putting Mazarron’s young talents in the spotlight

Forming a major part of “A Escena” are the XXIX Theatre Days for Children and the XXIV Theatre Days for Youth, two events that highlight the importance of the performing arts in education. Morning performances are dedicated to younger audiences, with primary school students presenting imaginative and complex theatre productions. These shows not only entertain, but also encourage values including creativity, teamwork and confidence among the little ones of the municipality.

The programme continues with musical storytelling and original plays from secondary school students and other groups, which explore themes like unity, camaraderie and mental and emotional wellbeing. The programme’s evening performances will shift the focus to youth theatre, featuring more complex works staged by student companies. Titles including Todo por el petróleo (“Everything for Oil”) and Arbitrium demonstrate the range and ambition of Mazarron’s emerging young talents.

Commitment to community theatre and fostering young actors and producers

“A Escena” also reflects Mazarron’s wider commitment to culture and community participation. By offering free access to theatre and showcasing local talent, the event reinforces the role of the arts as a vital part of civic life.

As the curtain rises once again on the young talents of the Costa Calida, the “A Escena” programme promises to bring together both performers and audiences in a shared celebration of storytelling, ensuring that theatre continues to thrive in this vibrant Murcia cultural and theatrical hotspot.