I'll name that tune in Juan

SPAIN has launched a competition to set words to its lyric-free national anthem.

The wordless Spanish anthem has often caused consternation among onlookers from other nations at international events such as football matches and Olympic games because all Spaniards can do is hum along.

"It gives me a very odd feeling that people should sing 'La, la, la'," said Alejandro Blanco, president of Spain's Olympic committee. "Spain is a country with cheerful people who sing at any opportunity, so why shouldn't they be able to sing the words of a national anthem?"

As a staunchly Catholic country, Spain had for centuries intoned religious rites such as the "Angelus devotion" instead of rallying round an anthem, although one existed mainly for use at military occasions.

Paradoxically, during the 1939-1975 military dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, the national anthem was rarely heard and it has only re-emerged with a return to democracy in 1977.

"I doubt very much anyone will be able to come up with words that everyone will be happy with," said businessman José Guzman.

Although the idea of setting words to the national anthem was first voiced by the Association of Victims of Terrorism, a group linked to the conservative opposition Popular Party, Mr Blanco said the current initiative is free of politics.

"The politically independent Spanish Olympic committee put forward the idea," he said, adding that many sectors of society have responded with enthusiasm.

Spain shares the distinction of having no words to its anthem with a handful of countries including Bosnia-Herzegovina and San Marino.