The Ceuta General Commander Presents the Aleo Baton to Our Lady of Africa

Continuing an ancient tradition, the new general commander of Ceuta, General Martín-Ambrosio, presented the aleo (baton) to Our Lady the Virgin of Africa. The ceremony took place on 23rd June before the Ceuta General Command building, in Africa square.

On his arrival, General Martín-Ambrosio was received by the Honours Company, made up of Honour Squad, Ceuta General Command Band, a platoon from the 7th Engineer Regiment, a platoon from the 54th Ceuta Regulares Group and a platoon from 2nd Legion Regiment "Duque de Alba".

Then, the new general commander headed for the Cathedral, where he received the aleo baton, with which he went to the Our Lady of Africa Sanctuary to place it in the hands of the Virgin. Once the ceremony concluded, the Honours Company paraded before General Martín-Ambrosio.

The tradition of the aleo baston began in the 15th century, when the Portuguese nobleman Pedro de Meneses received this baton on becoming the first governor of the city. The general commanders of Ceuta present the aleo baton to Our Lady after taking up their post.