Soria 9 Keeps Celebrating Birthdays in Fuerteventura, Reaching 517

The “Soria” 9 Infantry Regiment – the oldest infantry unit in the Spanish Army – will hold a solemn military ceremony in the Patio de Armas Los Tercios at the Puerto del Rosario garrison. The event marks the 517th anniversary of the regiment’s creation, a unit that “represents one of the oldest traditions of our Armed Forces,” according to an official statement.

A Milestone for the Island

This year also marks thirty years since the Soria 9 arrived in Fuerteventura. The regiment notes that:

“Three decades in which its presence has left a deep imprint on both military life and the society of Fuerteventura.”

During this period, Soria 9 has:

• Participated in international missions under the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.
• Provided continuous support to the civilian population during emergencies and institutional cooperation.
• Played a crucial role during the COVID‑19 pandemic, deploying across the island for disinfection, logistical assistance, control of essential infrastructure, and support to public services.

The regiment emphasizes that:

“Its dedication, discipline, and closeness during those critical months profoundly reinforced the bond of trust between the island’s citizens and the Regiment.”

International Recognition

In the current year, Soria 9 commands the European Union Battlegroup (EUBG), a high‑readiness multinational force. The regiment states:

“This command represents an international recognition of the Regiment’s trajectory and the operational capability of the Spanish Army.”

Marathon to Honor the Regiment

FUDENAS, Fuerteventura’s premier cycling event, is organizing a special edition that will include, for the first time, a marathon from Corralejo to Puerto del Rosario. The race symbolically links two key points of the island and pays tribute to the regiment’s deep roots in Fuerteventura. This sporting initiative further strengthens the mutual appreciation and integration built over three decades between the civilian community and Soria 9.