Marcha Real. National Anthem of Spain [Alfonso lyrics]

The Marcha Real, or Royal March, is the official national anthem of Spain and one of the oldest national anthems still in use today. Its origins date back to 1761, when it appeared in a military music collection under the title “La Marcha Granadera.” The work is generally attributed to Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros. In 1770, it was declared the official ceremonial march by Charles III of Spain, and from that point onward it gradually became the national anthem of the country. One of the most distinctive features of the Marcha Real is that—unlike most national anthems—it has no official lyrics. Although various texts were written throughout history, including during the reign of Alfonso XIII and later under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, none of them were ever officially adopted. Following the end of the Franco era, especially since 1978, the anthem has been performed exclusively as an instrumental piece, with all earlier politically associated lyrics abandoned.