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History & Facts

Is it true that Spain's national anthem has no lyrics?

Published

Verdict
True
Verification confidenceHigh

Explanation

Yes. Spain's national anthem, commonly called the Marcha Real, has no official lyrics. Its official form is instrumental.

The Spanish government's guide to state symbols explicitly describes the anthem as having no words and identifies full and shortened versions. Independent reporting by ABC News documents the withdrawal of a proposed set of lyrics in January 2008.

The qualification official matters: people have written and performed words for the melody. The existence of those versions does not mean Spain has adopted lyrics as part of its national anthem.

Key takeaway

Spain's official anthem is instrumental, even though unofficial lyrics and proposals exist.

Evidence

The official anthem has no words

La Moncloa

Supports the claim

The Spanish government's state-symbols guide explicitly states that the national anthem has no words and describes its full and shortened versions.

Based on: La Moncloa

A proposed set of lyrics was withdrawn

ABC News

Provides context

A January 2008 report records the Spanish Olympic committee's withdrawal of proposed lyrics, illustrating the difference between a lyrical proposal and an officially adopted anthem.

Based on: ABC News

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