Desfile

Desfile is a noun used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote an organized procession or display in which people or objects move along a route in a formal sequence. It can describe a military parade, a civil procession, a religious procession, or a fashion show, among other displays. The term derives from the French défilé, meaning “to file past” or “a marching past.”

In military and civic contexts, desfiles are structured events with parade formations, official observers, and public attendance. Religious desfiles appear during many festivals, such as Holy Week processions in various countries. In the fashion industry, “desfile” or “desfile de moda” denotes a runway show where designers present collections to an audience and media.

Desfiles also function as public spectacles that convey ceremonial, patriotic, or commercial messages. They require planning around routes, permits, security, crowd management, and accessibility. The term is complemented by the verb desfilar, meaning to march or parade, and in some contexts desfiles may refer to a sequence or lineup of items, such as desfiles de carrozas or floats. Regional variations exist in how a desfile is organized and celebrated, but common elements include choreography, uniforms or costumes, music, and a scheduled timetable.