MADRID, Spain — An old quirk of Spanish history — a national anthem with no lyrics — took a step toward oblivion Friday as words were proposed to accompany the music.
But critics immediately complained that they reflect a nationalist past, not today’s rich patchwork of languages and cultures.
The lyrics start off with nothing less than “Viva Espana!” — essentially the rallying cry of the late Gen. Francisco Franco’s dictatorship.
They also call on Spaniards to “love the fatherland,” which to outsiders may sound innocent enough, but for many people here also smack of Franco’s obsession with Spain as a unitary state fending off the independence-minded zeal of regions like Catalonia and the Basque country.
“With lyrics like this, I don’t think you will see me singing it very often,” said Artur Mas, leader of a conservative Catalan nationalist party.
The current anthem is a military march that dates back to 1761, its author unknown.
Last June, the Spanish Olympic Committee came up with the idea of seeking suggestions for lyrics.
The proposed lyrics do address plurality, however, saying: “Let us all sing together, with different voices and one heart.”
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