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Daniel Ochoa de Olza / AP
A goat, the mascot of La Legion, an elite unit of the Spanish Army, marches in front of the tribune where Spain's Crown Prince Felipe, left, Spain's King Juan Carlos, center, and Queen Sofia attend a military parade, during the holiday known as Dia de la Hispanidad, Spain's National Day, in Madrid, on Oct. 12.
AP reports -- Spain observed its National Day festivities in somber mood on Friday as the traditional military pageant was scaled back to cut costs.
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia presided over a much reduced parade that featured none of the usual fighter jets or tanks. Instead, on offer were 2,600 marching soldiers, 50 armored cars and seven trainer aircraft normally used for displays.
Spain is under pressure to fix its finances as it struggles through a recession. The belt-tightening has increased tension between the central government and the semi-autonomous regions, where some dismissed Friday's holiday.
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Daniel Ochoa de Olza / AP
Spain's King Juan Carlos review troops before a military parade, during the holiday known as Dia de la Hispanidad, Spain's National Day, in Madrid, on Oct. 12.
Manu Fernandez / AP
People opposed to the independence of Catalonia hold Catalan and Spanish flags during the holiday known as Dia de la Hispanidad, Spain's National Day in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 12.
Manu Fernandez / AP
Two girls with their faces painted with the colors of the Spanish flag pose to photographers during the holiday known as Dia de la Hispanidad, Spain's National Day in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 12.
Daniel Ochoa de Olza / AP
Planes fly over a military parade, during the holiday known as Dia de la Hispanidad, Spain's National Day, in Madrid, on Oct. 12.
