National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇪🇷 Eritrea

The national anthem of Eritrea is called: « Ertra, Ertra, Ertra ».

Continent: Africa

Bordering Countries:
🇩🇯 Djibouti
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
🇸🇩 Sudan

History of « Ertra, Ertra, Ertra »

« Ertra, Ertra, Ertra » (Eritrea, Eritrea, Eritrea) is the national anthem of Eritrea. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggle for independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1993: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Solomon Tsehaye Beraki, an Eritrean poet and writer. The music was composed by Isaac Abraham Meharezghi and Aron Tekle Tesfatsion, Eritrean musicians. The anthem was officially adopted on May 24, 1993, coinciding with Eritrea’s declaration of independence from Ethiopian rule.

Anecdotes

  • Independence Celebration: « Ertra, Ertra, Ertra » was first performed during the independence celebrations on May 24, 1993. The anthem marked a significant moment in the history of Eritrea, symbolizing the country’s newfound sovereignty and national pride.
  • Composer’s Legacy: Solomon Tsehaye Beraki, the lyricist, and Isaac Abraham Meharezghi and Aron Tekle Tesfatsion, the composers, are celebrated for their contributions to the music and culture of Eritrea. Their work on the anthem is considered one of their most significant contributions, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the Eritrean people.
  • Symbol of Struggle: The lyrics of the anthem emphasize the long and arduous struggle for independence, reflecting the sacrifices made by the Eritrean people in their quest for freedom. The anthem serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that led to Eritrea’s independence.
  • Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Eritrean people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Eritreans.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Tigrinya

ኤርትራ ኤርትራ ኤርትራ
ቀዳማይ ዓለም ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምንባር
ንስኻ ንስኻ ንስኻ
ኣብ ሰላም ንምን

Translated in English

Eritrea, Eritrea, Eritrea,
My country, my country, my country,
My country, my country, my country,
My country, my country, my country.
My country, my country, my country,
My country, my country, my country.

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