At the Jaume II barracks for the Immaculate Conception ceremony.

At the Jaume II barracks for the Immaculate Conception ceremony. | Jaume Morey

Majorca Daily Bulletin reporterPalma08/12/2016 00:00
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Immaculate Conception today was also a celebration of the patronage of the Infantry and Military Judicial Corps based in Palma. The army's commander-general in the Balearics, Juan Cifuentes Álvarez, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by prominent political figures, such as President Armengol and Palma's mayor José Hila.

Cifuentes highlighted the efforts of Majorcan soldiers in Iraq, where they have been part of the force combating "the bloody madness of Daesh jihadism". He reviewed other work of the Palma 47 regiment this year, which has included missions in the Central African Republic.

He recalled the origins of the patronage of "La Inmaculada". They date back to 1585 in Flanders. The miracle of La Inmaculada prevented the defeat of the Spanish army.

Cifuentes, retiring as commander, drew attention to the Infantry's obsession with training and preparation and he expressed his pride in having been in command "in this beautiful Balearic land".

Tribute was paid to those who had died in the course of operations, the Infantry's hymn was sung, and the ceremony concluded with a parade.