MADRID, Spain (AFP) — New World Cup champions Spain began their celebration parade on an open-top bus through the streets of Madrid on Monday, early evening.

Local authorities told AFP that a jubilant crowd of over a million people turned out to celebrate.

The players, some shirtless, others holding drinks, set off on their procession under a blazing sun, along the main arteries in the city centre where a sea of fans in red and yellow were waiting, with the destination Cibeles square.