Antonio Tejero, a former lieutenant colonel of the Civil Guard and a central figure in Spain's attempted coup d'état on February 23, 1981, died at the age of 93 in Alzira, Valencia. His death coincided with the government's release of declassified documents pertaining to the coup, when Tejero famously stormed the Congress of Deputies armed. The intimate funeral took place in Xàtiva, where close family and friends gathered to pay their respects.

The service was marked by tributes including floral arrangements from the Francisco Franco Foundation, the far-right organization España 2000, and a sailing club from Málaga. This indicates the ongoing divisive legacy of Tejero, who remains a controversial figure in Spanish history due to his role in the coup attempt, which sought to overthrow the democratically elected government. The attendance of these groups at his funeral reflects the polarized views on his actions.

Tejero's funeral comes at a time when Spain is still grappling with the implications of its recent political history, highlighting the continued dialogue surrounding democracies, military influence, and historical memory in the country. The maneuvering of such organizations during his death underscores the importance of Tejero's legacy for some, juxtaposed against the broader narrative of Spain's transition to democracy.