Which country has an anthem without words?

Each country of world to his National anthem, a music supposed to reflect thehistory, the values ​​and identity of the nation. Some hymns are imbued with patriotic words, while others, less common, stand out for the absence of text. Among the latter, one anthem particularly stands out: that of theSpain. In this article, let’s find out whyanthem Spanish, known as “Marcha Real”, is one of a kind.

There Marcha Real : A hymn without words

There “Marcha Real”, also called “Marcha Granadera”, is one of the rare national anthems in the world not to include words. This royal march is theNational anthem of the’Spain and has a history fascinating. Unlike most others hymns, it does not recount historical events or military victories through words. So whySpain does she have a anthem without words ?

The origin of the “Marcha Real” dates back to Eighteenth century. Its first official recording dates from 1761, when it was included in the “Book of Infantry” as a military march. However, theanthem current is based on a version of the XIXth century, popularized during the reign of King Alfonso XIII. Although attempts have been made to add words over the years, the “Marcha Real” remained a melody instrumental.

The reasons why thespanish anthem has no words are many. On the one hand, the absence of text allows you not to divide a nation with multiple regional identities. On the other hand, it gives each Spaniard the freedom to interpret the music in his own way, projecting his own patriotic feelings onto it. This particularity makes the “Marcha Real” a music inclusive and unifying, which resonates in the hearts of all Spaniards, regardless of their origins.

Attempts at Lyrics for the Spanish Anthem

Despite the absence of words, there have been several attempts to add to thespanish anthem. The idea of ​​providing the “Marcha Real” of words has been discussed on several occasions, especially during major national or international events such as the Olympic Games. These moments of national pride often generate a desire to sing together in addition to celebrating.

The first notable attempt was in 1908, when a national competition was held to propose words. However, none of the proposals were accepted. Later, under the Franco regime, words were added, but they were abandoned after the democratic transition ofSpain.

In 2007, another initiative was launched by the Spanish Olympic Committee. A public competition was organized to find words adequate to the “Marcha Real”. The winning proposal, written by poet Paulino Cubero, was quickly rejected due to the controversy it generated. The Spanish were divided on whether theanthem should remain instrumental or not. Furthermore, some criticized the words for their lack of originality and their overly militaristic tone.

This duality between attempts to add words and cultural resistance shows the complexity of the issue in Spain. L’anthem without words seems to be a tradition too deeply rooted in the hearts of Spaniards to be easily changed. Paradoxically, this absence of words has become an integral part of the identity of the “Marcha Real” and, by extension, of the Spanish nation.

Comparison with other national anthems

In the landscape of national anthems, there “Marcha Real” is distinguished by its absence of words, but she is not the only one to be unique. For example, theEuropean anthem is also a melody without text. Inspired by theOde to Joy of Beethoven, theanthem of the European Union is a symbol of unity and peace, and it also does without words not to favor a particular language or culture among the members of the Union.

On the other hand, hymns as “God Save the Queen” of United Kingdom Or “The Marseillaise” of the France are famous for their words conveying messages of glory and of patriotism. These hymns are sung with fervor on national and international occasions, especially during Olympic Games. THE words death hymns contribute to strengthening the feeling of belonging and national pride.

However, the absence of words in the “Marcha Real” gives to thespanish anthem a particular and universal aura. Any Spaniard can make this music and associate your own emotions and memories with it. This contrasts with hymns as “God Save the Queen”, where the words precise can sometimes be sources of division or controversy.

Furthermore, the “Marcha Real” to one music recognizable and majestic, which inspires respect and solemnity, even without words. During major events such as Olympic Games, it resonates with the same dignity as any other anthem sung. This particularity allows theSpain to stand out on the international scene while preserving a unique tradition.

Why is the wordless “Marcha Real” important?

The absence of words in the “Marcha Real” is not a fault, but rather a characteristic which reinforces its symbolic impact. First, this absence avoids debates and potential divisions around words. In Spain, where various regional identities coexist, this choice is particularly relevant. THE words could favor a specific language or culture, which would go against the idea of ​​national unity.

Secondly, the “Marcha Real” inasmuch as music instrumental allows the Spanish to identify with their anthem in a personal way. Everyone can project their own feelings onto it. pride and of patriotism, without being limited by words fixed. This flexibility strengthens the link betweenanthem and citizens, making the “Marcha Real” truly universal.

Finally, this particularity offers theSpain a distinct identity among nations. L’spanish anthem, being one of the rare hymns without words, is immediately recognizable and memorable. During international events such as Olympic Games, this gives theSpain an advantage in terms of visibility and uniqueness. There “Marcha Real” thus becomes a powerful symbol ofhistory and some dignity Spanish.

There “Marcha Real”, L’National anthem of the’Spain, is distinguished by its absence of words. This unique feature is not a simple whim, but a true expression of Spanish identity. By allowing each citizen to interpret the music in its own way,Spain avoids divisions and promotes unity. There “Marcha Real” is thus a symbol of pride and of patriotism for all Spaniards, regardless of their origins.

The absence of words also offers flexibility and universality that few others hymns can claim. In comparison with hymns as “God Save the Queen” Or “The Marseillaise”, there “Marcha Real” stands out for its ability to unify without dividing. In an increasingly fragmented world, this characteristic is more valuable than ever.

In the end, the “Marcha Real” proves that the music can sometimes say more than the words. Listening to this melody, every Spaniard can feel thehistory, there dignity and the pride of his country. And it is precisely this silent universality which makesspanish anthem a remarkable example among national anthems.