The national anthem of Guinea-Bissau is called: « Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada ».
Continent: Africa
Bordering Countries:
– 🇬🇳 Guinea
– 🇸🇳 Senegal
History of « Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada »
« Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada » (This Is Our Well-Beloved Homeland) is the national anthem of Guinea-Bissau. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggle for independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1974: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Amílcar Cabral, a prominent Bissau-Guinean and Cape Verdean nationalist leader. The music was composed by Xiao He, a Chinese composer. The anthem was officially adopted on September 24, 1974, coinciding with Guinea-Bissau’s declaration of independence from Portuguese colonial rule.
Anecdotes
- Independence Celebration: « Esta é a Nossa Pátria Bem Amada » was first performed during the independence celebrations on September 24, 1974. The anthem marked a significant moment in the history of Guinea-Bissau, symbolizing the country’s newfound sovereignty and national pride.
- Composer’s Legacy: Amílcar Cabral, the lyricist, was a key figure in Guinea-Bissau’s independence movement. His contributions to the anthem and the struggle for independence are celebrated as part of the nation’s heritage. Xiao He, the composer, played a crucial role in shaping the musical identity of the nation.
- Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Bissau-Guinean people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Bissau-Guineans.
- Symbol of Unity: The lyrics of the anthem emphasize freedom, unity, and progress, reflecting the aspirations of the Bissau-Guinean people as they embarked on their journey as an independent nation.
Full Lyrics
In Portuguese
Esta é a nossa Pátria bem amada,
Chão heroico que os nossos avós
Deixaram-nos, de nós para os nossos filhos.
E esta é a terra que tanto amamos.
Fronteira dos mares e da terra,
Guiné dos nossos avós,
Bravos e imortais,
Elevemos a nossa voz
Para a glória dos povos
Que lutam pela paz.
Guiné-Bissau, sol, liberdade,
Que de nós a pátria bem amada
Para sempre seja a nossa terra,
O nosso povo, a nossa nação.Translated in English
This is our well-beloved homeland,
Heroic ground that our ancestors
Left us, from us to our children.
And this is the land that we so love.
Frontier of the seas and the land,
Guinea of our ancestors,
Brave and immortal,
Let us raise our voice
For the glory of the peoples
Who fight for peace.
Guinea-Bissau, sun, freedom,
May our well-beloved homeland
Forever be our land,
Our people, our nation.Sources: