In Spain, the 12th of October is a national holiday. The day is meant to commemorate the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. A military parade is organized in Madrid every year to celebrate the occasion and King Felipe VI chairs a ceremony where he receives presidents of Spain's autonomous regions, including Ceuta and Melilla. Juan José Imbroda seized the opportunity to greet the monarch asking him «to not forget about Melilla», he revealed in a press statement after the commemoration. Imborda said that the monarch answered him saying that he would «never» forget about the autonomous city. The right-wing president told reporters that he was happy about the discussion he had with the King. On June 19, 2014, the day of the king's enthronement, Imbroda invited him to visit his city. A few days later, he sent a written invitation to the palace. Receiving no response from the royal palace, Imbroda retrieved his invitation in May 2017. For the record, King Juan Carlos visited Ceuta and Melilla 32 years after his enthronement.
