Spain uses “La Marcha Real,” one of the world’s few national anthems without official lyrics.
The Spanish title means “The Royal March.” The melody appeared in an 18th-century collection and was long associated with royal and state ceremonies. Its composer is not definitively known, although several historical attributions have been proposed.
Spain’s anthem is unusual because there are no officially adopted words. Poets and composers have proposed lyrics at different times, and unofficial versions exist, but none has become the legally established national text.
The anthem’s lack of lyrics is separate from the question of its melody’s authorship. “La Marcha Real” has a documented ceremonial history even though its exact composer remains uncertain. It is normally performed instrumentally at state events and sporting ceremonies.