Marcha Real - Interpretation and Etiquette

Interpretation and Etiquette

Military bands of the Spanish Armed Forces and the Cuerpo Nacional de Policia and civilian Marching bands and Concert bands play an A-major version of the anthem adapted for wind bands.

The bugle call "To the Colors" in Spain is the version played by Bugle bands in Spanish churches in religious occasions and processions organized by civil groups and the parishes. Various versions adapted for the drum and the bugle are used, even though brass instruments play the anthem as well. But in some bugle bands, the B flat version of the anthem (the official one, adapted for the bugle) is played.

Being the National Anthem, and in honor of the King and Queen of Spain, it's a common practice for all to stand once it is played. Even though it is also played in church events, respect for the King and Queen (and the Royal Family as well) is required by everyone in attendance.