Why Don’t Spaniards Sing Their National Anthem? The Surprising Reason Behind Their Silence

Spaniards have a unique tradition at international sporting events: they stand silently and attentively during the playing of their national anthem. This may seem unusual, but it stems from the fact that Spain’s national anthem, ‘Marcha Real,’ has no lyrics. Unlike many other countries where athletes sing along with pride, Spain’s anthem is one of only a few in the world without words. This tradition has its roots in the country’s complex history, with attempts to write lyrics often dividing the nation along regional lines. In 1978, the last attempt to add lyrics was rejected, leaving the ‘Marcha Real’ a symbol of national unity and respect, played without a single sung word.