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Hundreds line up on the Malaga quayside to see the 231-metre long vessel.
Long queues to visit the pride of the    Spanish Armada on its visit to the Costa

Long queues to visit the pride of the Spanish Armada on its visit to the Costa

The aircraft carrier Juan Carlos I is the largest in the fleet and paid an official visit to Malaga last weekend when 500 locals swore allegiance to the Spanish flag in an emotional ceremony

ÁNGEL ESCALERA /PABLO MARINETTO

Friday, 3 November 2017, 13:26

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Visitors and locals in Malaga were treated to the spectacular sight of the Spanish navy's huge Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier, the largest in the fleet, docked in the city's port for a few days over last weekend.

The vessel was on an official visit to the city and the deck was the venue for a huge event on Saturday morning in which over 500 people paid homage to the Spanish flag, marching past and kissing it in an emotional ceremony.

On other days the ship was open to the public and large queues built up on the quay next to the Muelle Uno outdoor shopping centre as young and old waited eagerly to have a look inside.

Boats like this don't come in to port every day, said Luis Martínez, who came down on Sunday morning with his wife and two children. We wanted the kids to see what it looks like and how the crew go about their work inside, he explained.

However, far more people wanted to have a look round than there was time. Brother and sister Jesús and Ana from Fuengirola were at the end of the queue but managed to squeeze in. We hope to get in, at least to see it, even if the visit doesn't last very long, they said.

Luis Márquez and Alberto Sánchez were less lucky and missed their chance. It doesn't matter, there'll be another time for sure. That's what happens when you don't get up at the crack of dawn, joked Sánchez.

Flag-kissing ceremony

The highlight of the weekend's events was the flag-kissing ceremony on deck accompanied by the music of a military band.

The event, which was presided over by the Admiral of the Fleet, was organised at the request of a group of local residents who had once served in the Armada.

For many of the 526 people taking part it brought back emotional memories of their military service days, when the ceremony used to be carried out regularly. However, for others it was their first time and equally symbolic.

Among those paying homage to the red and yellow national standard were local politicians and dignitaries and several of those filing past the flag also had their children with them. Everyone taking part got a commemorative certificate.

It is an honour to formally kiss the Spanish flag, said Francisco Toledo. María Dolores, another participant, explained why she was at the ceremony. I am doing it for my country and I feel very Spanish.

Addressing the group, Admiral of the Fleet Juan Rodríguez Garat said, You have put the interests of everyone above the interests of the individual. This is a clear example of patriotism.

The Spanish-built Juan Carlos I aircraft carrier was launched in 2008 and is normally based at Rota, near Cadiz. It is equipped for multipurpose use and measures 231 metres. It can carry a crew of 250 and some 1200 troops as well as helicopters and jets.

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