Why no one sings along to Spain's national anthem

The anthem was first mentioned in 1761 in Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros' Libro de Ordenanza de los toques militares de la Infantería Española, where it appeared as Marcha Granadera.

During the Second Republic (1930–1939) the 'Himno de Riego' replaced it, but after Francisco Franco took power in 1939 he reinstated 'La Marcha Real'. Under his regime (1939–1975) it was occasionally performed with lyrics by the poet José María Pemán, though those words were never officially adopted.

Since then the anthem has remained officially instrumental, although unofficial lyrics have periodically emerged. In 2018 pop singer Marta Sánchez offered new words; Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy applauded the effort while fellow musicians and the press were mostly critical, and later that same year Alejandro Abad unveiled another proposed set of lyrics.

Spain

spain, marcha real, marcha granadera, himno, franco, pemán, marta sánchez, alejandro abad, mariano rajoy, instrumental