Princess Leonor is living one of the most demanding and symbolic experiences of her military training aboard the training ship Elcano.
After her passage through the Canary Islands, where she was received with enthusiasm, the heiress to the throne is now in the middle of a voyage across the Atlantic.
Princess Leonor’s baptism on the Elcano
Her next stop will be Brazil on February 14, but before that she will have to face one of the most awaited moments for the midshipmen in training: the traditional baptism at sea.
For Princess Leonor and her mates, crossing the equator marks a milestone in their naval training.
This ceremony is an initiation rite that has become a celebration full of camaraderie.
As tradition dictates, those who cross this imaginary line of the Equator for the first time must undergo the baptism of Neptune.
The ceremony has its own protocol. One of the sailors dresses as the god Neptune, trident in hand, and sits on his makeshift throne to welcome the novices.
Alongside him, other members of the crew become his servants, embodying a mythological entourage in charge of leading the midshipmen’s initiation.
The rite includes several steps that have endured over the years.
First, Neptune inspects the new sailors, including Leonor, to ensure that they are worthy of continuing their voyage.
As part of the ritual, the initiates are bathed in a special oil with dye, a kind of symbolic “blessing” that marks their entry into the marine world.
They must also offer a small tribute to the God of the seas: cutting a lock of their hair as a sign of respect and commitment to life in the ocean.
In addition to the ceremony itself, the baptism at sea is a special day in which routine is broken and coexistence is strengthened.
For a few hours, roles within the ship are exchanged: some officers take on simpler tasks while midshipmen can take on unusual responsibilities.
It is a game of dynamics that allows the atmosphere to relax after weeks of intense training and to reinforce team spirit.
After the christening, the day culminates with a special banquet at which the crew members enjoy dishes off the usual menu.
For Princess Leonor, this is just one more step in her military training, which she will complete in June after having traveled eight countries.