The national anthem of Guatemala is called: « Himno Nacional de Guatemala ».
Continent: America
Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇿 Belize
– 🇸🇻 El Salvador
– 🇭🇳 Honduras
– 🇲🇽 Mexico
History of « Himno Nacional de Guatemala »
« Himno Nacional de Guatemala » (National Anthem of Guatemala) is the national anthem of Guatemala. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggles for independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1896: The lyrics of the anthem were written by José Joaquín Palma, a Cuban poet who was living in Guatemala at the time.
- 1897: The music was composed by Rafael Álvarez Ovalle, a Guatemalan musician.
- 1934: The anthem was officially adopted by the Guatemalan government on February 19, 1934, after a national competition.
Anecdotes
- Anonymous Contribution: José Joaquín Palma initially submitted the lyrics anonymously to the national competition. It was only later revealed that he was the author, and he was honored for his contribution to the national identity of Guatemala.
- Composer’s Recognition: Rafael Álvarez Ovalle, the composer, was a well-known musician in Guatemala. His composition for the anthem is considered one of his most significant works, reflecting the spirit and resilience of the Guatemalan people.
- Cultural Significance: « Himno Nacional de Guatemala » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Guatemalan people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Guatemalans.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Spanish
¡Guatemala feliz...! que tus aras
no profane jamás el verdugo;
ni haya esclavos que laman el yugo,
ni tiranos que escupan tu faz.
Si mañana tu suelo sagrado
lo amenaza invasión extranjera,
libre al viento tu hermosa bandera
a vencer o a morir llamará.
Libre al viento tu hermosa bandera
a vencer o a morir llamará;
que tu pueblo con ánima fiera,
antes muerto que esclavo será.
De tus viejas y duras cadenas
tu forjaste con mano iracunda,
el arado que el suelo fecunda
y la espada que salva el honor.Translated in English
Happy Guatemala! May your altars
never be profaned by the executioner;
nor may slaves ever lick the yoke,
nor tyrants spit upon your face.
If tomorrow your sacred soil
is threatened by foreign invasion,
your beautiful flag, free in the wind,
will call to victory or death.
Your beautiful flag, free in the wind,
will call to victory or death;
for your people, with fierce spirit,
would prefer to die than to be slaves.
From your old and hard chains
you forged with an angry hand,
the plow that fertilizes the soil
and the sword that saves honor.Sources: