National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇲🇨 Monaco

The national anthem of Monaco is called: « Hymne Monégasque ».

Continent: Europe

Bordering Country:
🇫🇷 France

History of « Hymne Monégasque »

« Hymne Monégasque » (The Monegasque Anthem) is the national anthem of Monaco. The anthem reflects the principality’s pride in its sovereignty, its ruling family, and the unity of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1841: The original lyrics of « Hymne Monégasque » were written by Théophile Bellando de Castro, a Monegasque poet and official. The music was composed by Charles Albrecht, a French composer.
  • 1896: The anthem was revised with new lyrics by Louis Notari, a Monegasque writer, to better reflect the national identity and pride of Monaco. The music was also arranged by François Bellini.
  • 1931: The current version of the anthem, with further musical arrangements by Léon Jehin, was officially adopted.

Anecdotes

  • Royal Connection: The anthem pays homage to the ruling Grimaldi family, who have governed Monaco for over 700 years. The lyrics celebrate the principality’s history and the leadership of its princes.
  • Cultural Significance: « Hymne Monégasque » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Monegasque people and celebrating their heritage.
  • Language Evolution: The original lyrics were in French, but the revised version by Louis Notari was written in the Monegasque dialect, a variety of Ligurian. This change emphasized the unique cultural identity of Monaco.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Monegasque

Despoei tugiù sciü d'u nostru paise
Se ride au ventu, u meme pavayùn
Despoei tugiù a curù russa e gianca
E stà l'emblema d'a nostra libertà
Grandi e i piciui l'an sempre respetà.

Amu ch'üna tradiçiùn
Amu ch'üna religiùn
Amu u nostru Prince.

U nostru Prince
Amu ch'üna tradiçiùn
Amu ch'üna religiùn
Amu u nostru Prince
U nostru Prince

In English (translation)

Forever, in our land,
One flag has flown in the wind,
Forever, the colors red and white
Have been the symbol of our liberty.
Great and small have always respected it.

We have but one tradition,
We have but one religion,
We love our Prince.

Our Prince,
We have but one tradition,
We have but one religion,
We love our Prince,
Our Prince.

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