National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

The national anthem of Dominican Republic is called: « Himno Nacional Dominicano ».

Continent: America

Bordering Countries:
🇭🇹 Haiti

History of « Himno Nacional Dominicano »

« Himno Nacional Dominicano » (Dominican National Anthem) is the national anthem of the Dominican Republic. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggles for independence, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1883: The lyrics of the anthem were written by Emilio Prud’Homme, a Dominican educator and poet.
  • 1897: The music was composed by José Reyes, a Dominican musician.
  • 1934: The anthem was officially adopted on May 30, 1934, by the Dominican government.

Anecdotes

  • Patriotic Origins: Emilio Prud’Homme wrote the lyrics in 1883, inspired by the Dominican Republic’s fight for independence from Haiti and later from Spain. The anthem’s lyrics emphasize themes of freedom, bravery, and national pride.
  • First Performance: The anthem was first performed publicly on August 17, 1883, in Santo Domingo. It quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of national identity and unity.
  • Cultural Significance: « Himno Nacional Dominicano » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Dominican people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Dominicans.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Spanish

Quisqueyanos valientes, alcemos
Nuestro canto con viva emoción,
Y del mundo a la faz ostentemos
Nuestro invicto glorioso pendón.

¡Salve el pueblo que intrépido y fuerte,
A la guerra a morir se lanzó,
Cuando en bélico reto de muerte
Sus cadenas de esclavo rompió!

Ningún pueblo ser libre merece
Si es esclavo, indolente y servil;
Si en su pecho la llama no crece
Que templó el heroísmo viril.

Mas Quisqueya la indómita y brava
Siempre altiva la frente alzará;
Que si fuere mil veces esclava
Otras tantas ser libre sabrá.

Translated in English

Valiant Quisqueyans, let us raise
Our song with vibrant emotion,
And let the world behold
Our undefeated, glorious banner.

Hail the people who, strong and intrepid,
Launched themselves into war and death,
When in a warlike challenge of death
They broke their chains of slavery!

No people deserves to be free
If they are slaves, indifferent, and servile;
If the flame does not grow in their chest
That forged heroic valor.

But Quisqueya, the indomitable and brave,
Will always hold its head high;
For if it were a thousand times enslaved,
It would know how to be free a thousand times.

Sources: