La Marcha Real (The Royal March) is the national anthem of Spain. It is one of the few national anthems in the world to have no words.
Spain's national anthem is one of the oldest in Europe and its origins are unknown. Its first mention is in a document dated 1761: the Libro de Ordenanza de los toques militares de la Infantería Española — the Spanish Infantry Book of Military Bugle Calls — by Manuel de Espinosa . The tune was entitled La Marcha Granadera ("March of the Grenadiers"); however, no composer's name was given.
In 1770, King Carlos III declared the Marcha Granadera to be the official "Honour March", thereby according it a place at public and ceremonial events. Because it was always played at public events attended by the royal family, Spaniards soon came to regard the Marcha Granadera as their national anthem and called it the Marcha Real, or "Royal March".
Under the Second Spanish Republic (1931-1939), El Himno de Riego replaced La Marcha Real as the national anthem of Spain. At the conclusion of the Civil War, however, Francisco Franco restored La Marcha Real as the country's national anthem, under its old title of La Marcha Granadera.
In October 1997 a Royal Decree was promulgated regulating the official use of the Marcha Real as the national anthem of Spain.
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Last updated: 10-18-2005 22:38:25
