There was a fantastic atmosphere on the venerable marketplace in Aachen: Fiery Flamenco dancers, daring human pyramids and of course plenty of horses got everyone in the mood for the CHIO Aachen 2025 and this year’s partner country Spain. The motto: “Hola España.”

The “Öcher” (people from Aachen) were amazed when the mounted soldiers of the Guardia Civil marched over the cobblestones in the heart of the imperial city. Spain’s national gendarmerie was part of the colourful convey that proceeded from the showgrounds of the CHIO Aachen to the traditional reception in the impressive setting of the historical Town Hall. And, of course, the people certainly didn’t want to miss it. Even before the horses and the artists reached the market square at 6 p.m., the jovial CHIO mascot, Karli, hailed in the open-air festival and Aachen’s Mayor, Sibylle Keupen, welcomed her “Öcher” from the high balcony of the Town Hall. “The CHIO Aachen”, is not only steeped in tradition, it also has huge international appeal. Spain as the partner country is going to be a fantastic experience,” stated Keupen. The Vice-President of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein e.V. (ALRV), Frank Kemperman, also promised: “A CHIO Aachen that is going to radiate pure Spanish flair lies ahead of us.”

And precisely this flair was tangible on Monday evening on Aachen’s traditional marketplace. Her Royal Highness, Infanta Elena von Borbón of Spain, travelled to Aachen especially to be part of the reception. “It is a great honour that Spain is allowed to be the partner country of the CHIO Aachen for the second time already,” announced the sister of King Felipe VI., who will also be attending tomorrow’s OPENING CEREMONY presented by INNSiDE. “I am very much looking forward to experiencing an unforgettable time with you at the CHIO Aachen 2025.”

What the “Öcher” experienced on the market square was unforgettable too. Headed by an ensemble of the Córdoba Ecuestre, who had arrived from Andalusia especially for the occasion, a host of Spanish horses quickly conquered the hearts of the many spectators, who lined the marketplace. And some of the “Öcher” no doubt held their breath, when the “Castellers del Foix de Cubelles” formed metre-high human pyramids. A multi-layered spectacle that is both a cultural tradition and a form of sport in Spain. Splendid!

The festive reception was a wonderful foretaste of what the Soers has in store for us over the next days. At tomorrow’s OPENING CEREMONY presented by INNSiDE Hotels all of these performers will be in action again – and plenty more. With a little luck interested fans can still purchase remaining tickets via the secondary ticket exchange on the website of the CHIO Aachen. For those, who don’t manage to obtain a ticket: The WDR is broadcasting the official opening ceremony live from 8.15 p.m.