NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
Key Points:
- Spain national anthem, ‘La Marcha Real,’ has no official lyrics.
- The anthem’s lyrics were removed after General Franco’s dictatorship.
- Efforts to reintroduce lyrics have been unsuccessful.
- Spain’s diverse team includes players from different regions with distinct identities.
- Spain started Euro 2024 strongly with a 3-0 win over Croatia.
Why Spain’s Players Don’t Sing Spain National Anthem at Euro 2024
The Mystery Behind the Silence
Before their Euro 2024 opener against Croatia in Berlin, Spain’s players were noticed not singing their national anthem, ‘La Marcha Real.’ This caught the attention of fans on social media who wondered why.
History of ‘La Marcha Real’
Composed by Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros in 1771, ‘La Marcha Real’ became Spain’s official anthem during the reign of Queen Isabella II. It is one of the few national anthems worldwide without lyrics, along with those of San Marino, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Lyrics Removed After Franco’s Rule
Although ‘La Marcha Real’ once had lyrics added by General Franco during his dictatorship from 1938 to 1973, these were removed after his regime ended to dissociate the anthem from his rule. Various efforts to reintroduce lyrics, including an attempt by the Spanish Olympic Committee to add “Viva Espana,” have been unsuccessful due to its association with Franco.
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Regional Diversity Among Players
While some fans sing unofficial lyrics in the stands, the players, who come from diverse regions such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Tenerife, choose to remain silent. This reflects the complex regional identities within Spain, influencing their decision not to sing the anthem.
Spain’s Performance in Euro 2024
Despite not singing the anthem, Spain made a strong start in their Euro 2024 campaign. In their first Group B match, they secured a 3-0 victory against Croatia with first-half goals from captain Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Carvajal. Spain, three-time winners of the competition, is grouped with Croatia, Italy, and Albania in the tournament.
