Victory Parade, Valencia

The photograph shows the first Victory Parade held by the rebels, which took place in Valencia on 3 May 1939. They used these events, along with intense pro- Franco propaganda, to consolidate the dictatorship. These legitimizing measures centered on the narrative of defeating communism, even though there was no Communist threat to Spain or the surrounding countries. The parade was held one month after the famous Dispatch in which Franco announced the end of the conquest of the peninsula. Valencia had been the capital of the Republic, which is why the first great parade was organized there.

All the units of the army present in Valencia took part in the parade, including the Galicia Army Corp, Falange Banderas, Tercios (units) of the Spanish Legion and Regulares from Morocco, as well as Franco’s Moorish Guard, who appear in the photo. In addition to the army, the two other pillars on which the dictatorship was based: the single party FET y de las JONS, and the clergy, also took part. Francisco Franco, the dictator, along with his wife, presided over the parade, accompanied by his ministers and the chief ecclesiastical authorities. The parade was essential in providing both the coup and the new dictatorship a patina of legitimacy. That is why the famous journalist Alberto Martín, who signed his articles “Spectator”, described the parade as a demonstration of “the victory won on the fields of battle”.

These parades and public events were held across the country, with the one in Madrid being the most important. By projecting an image of unity and strength, they played a crucial role in Francoist propaganda.  As well as a display of military might, these events were also used to promote the figure of Franco as the unquestioned leader of the nation and the saviour of Spain from the alleged Communist menace.

FLC