National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇸🇻 El Salvador

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

Continent: America

Bordering Countries:
🇬🇹 Guatemala
🇭🇳 Honduras

History of « Himno Nacional de El Salvador »

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

Key Dates and People

  • 1856: The lyrics of the anthem were written by General Juan José Cañas, a Salvadoran poet and military officer.
  • 1879: The music was composed by Juan Aberle, an Italian composer who settled in El Salvador.
  • 1953: The anthem was officially adopted by the Salvadoran government on December 11, 1953.

Anecdotes

  • Collaborative Creation: The anthem was a collaborative effort between General Juan José Cañas and Juan Aberle. Cañas, a prominent figure in Salvadoran history, wrote the patriotic lyrics, while Aberle, an accomplished musician, composed the stirring melody.
  • First Performance: The anthem was first performed publicly on September 15, 1879, during the celebrations of El Salvador’s independence from Spain. It quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of national identity and unity.
  • Cultural Significance: « Himno Nacional de El Salvador » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Salvadoran people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Salvadorans.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Spanish

Saludemos la patria orgullosos
de hijos suyos podernos llamar;
y juremos la vida animosos
sin descanso a su bien consagrar.

De la paz en la dicha suprema,
siempre noble soñó El Salvador;
fue obtenerla su eterno problema,
conservarla es su gloria mayor.

Y con fe inquebrantable el camino
del progreso se afana en seguir
por llenar su grandioso destino
conquistarse un feliz porvenir.

Le protege una férrea barrera
contra el choque de ruin deslealtad,
desde el día que en su alta bandera
con su sangre escribió: ¡LIBERTAD!

Translated in English

Let us salute the fatherland proudly
for being able to call ourselves its children;
and let us vow to dedicate our lives
with enthusiasm to its welfare.

In the supreme bliss of peace,
El Salvador always nobly dreamed;
to achieve it was its eternal problem,
to preserve it is its greatest glory.

And with unbreakable faith, it strives
to follow the path of progress
to fulfill its grand destiny
and achieve a happy future.

A strong barrier protects it
against the clash of vile disloyalty,
since the day that on its high flag
it wrote with its blood: FREEDOM!

Sources: