The national anthem of Peru is called: « Himno Nacional del Perú ».
Continent: America
Bordering Countries:
– 🇧🇴 Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
– 🇧🇷 Brazil
– 🇨🇱 Chile
– 🇨🇴 Colombia
– 🇪🇨 Ecuador
History of « Himno Nacional del Perú »
« Himno Nacional del Perú » (National Anthem of Peru) is the national anthem of Peru. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its struggles for independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1821: The lyrics of the anthem were written by José de la Torre Ugarte, a Peruvian poet and independence activist.
- 1821: The music was composed by José Bernardo Alcedo, a Peruvian musician.
- 1821: The anthem was first performed publicly on September 23, 1821, in the presence of General José de San Martín, the liberator of Peru.
- 1821: The anthem was officially adopted on September 23, 1821, shortly after Peru declared its independence from Spanish colonial rule on July 28, 1821.
Anecdotes
- Competition for the Anthem: After Peru declared its independence, a competition was held to select the national anthem. José de la Torre Ugarte and José Bernardo Alcedo’s composition was chosen from among several entries.
- First Performance: The anthem was first performed at the National Theatre of Lima on September 23, 1821. General José de San Martín, who played a key role in Peru’s independence, was present at the performance and praised the anthem.
- Cultural Significance: « Himno Nacional del Perú » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Peruvian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Peruvians.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Spanish
Somos libres, seámoslo siempre,
seámoslo siempre, y antes niegue
sus luces, sus luces el sol,
que faltemos al voto solemne
que la patria al Eterno elevó.
Largo tiempo el peruano oprimido
la ominosa cadena arrastró;
condenado a una cruel servidumbre
largo tiempo, largo tiempo gimió.
Mas apenas el grito sagrado
¡Libertad! en sus costas se oyó,
la indolencia de esclavo sacude,
la humillada cerviz levantó.
Somos libres, seámoslo siempre,
seámoslo siempre, y antes niegue
sus luces, sus luces el sol,
que faltemos al voto solemne
que la patria al Eterno elevó.Translated in English
We are free, let us always be so,
let us always be so, and may the sun
deny its light, its light before
we break the solemn vow
which the homeland raised to the Eternal.
For a long time, the Peruvian oppressed
dragged the ominous chain;
condemned to cruel servitude,
for a long time, for a long time he moaned.
But as soon as the sacred cry
"Liberty!" was heard on its coasts,
he shook off the indolence of a slave,
he raised his humiliated neck.
We are free, let us always be so,
let us always be so, and may the sun
deny its light, its light before
we break the solemn vow
which the homeland raised to the Eternal.