National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇨🇱 Chile

The national anthem of Chile is called: « Himno Nacional de Chile ».

Continent: America

Bordering Countries:
🇦🇷 Argentina
🇧🇴 Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
🇵🇪 Peru

History of « Himno Nacional de Chile »

« Himno Nacional de Chile » (National Anthem of Chile), also known as « Canción Nacional » (National Song), is the national anthem of Chile. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggles for independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1819: The first version of the anthem was composed by Manuel Robles, with lyrics by Bernardo de Vera y Pintado.
  • 1828: The current version’s music was composed by Ramón Carnicer, a Spanish composer, while the lyrics were written by Eusebio Lillo, a Chilean poet.
  • 1847: The anthem was officially adopted in its current form in 1847.

Anecdotes

  • Multiple Versions: The original anthem composed in 1819 by Manuel Robles and Bernardo de Vera y Pintado was replaced in 1828 by the version composed by Ramón Carnicer with lyrics by Eusebio Lillo. The change was made to better reflect the spirit and aspirations of the Chilean people.
  • Spanish Influence: Ramón Carnicer, the composer of the current anthem, was a Spanish musician who was exiled in France due to his opposition to the Spanish monarchy. His composition for the Chilean anthem is considered one of his most significant works.
  • Cultural Significance: « Himno Nacional de Chile » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Chilean people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Chileans.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Spanish

Puro, Chile, es tu cielo azulado,
Puras brisas te cruzan también,
Y tu campo de flores bordado
Es la copia feliz del Edén.
Majestuosa es la blanca montaña
Que te dio por baluarte el Señor,
Y ese mar que tranquilo te baña
Te promete futuro esplendor.

Dulce patria, recibe los votos
Con que Chile en tus aras juró
Que o la tumba serás de los libres
O el asilo contra la opresión.
Que o la tumba serás de los libres
O el asilo contra la opresión.
Que o la tumba serás de los libres
O el asilo contra la opresión.

Translated in English

Pure, Chile, is your blue sky,
Pure breezes cross you as well,
And your flower-embroidered fields
Are the happy copy of Eden.
Majestic is the white mountain
That was given to you as a bastion by the Lord,
And that sea that calmly washes your shores
Promises you a splendid future.

Sweet fatherland, accept the vows
With which Chile swore at your altars
Either the tomb of the free you will be
Or the refuge against oppression.
Either the tomb of the free you will be
Or the refuge against oppression.
Either the tomb of the free you will be
Or the refuge against oppression.

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