🇸🇰 Slovakia

The national anthem of Slovakia is called: « Nad Tatrou sa blýska ».

Continent: Europe

Bordering Countries:
– 🇦🇹 Austria
– 🇨🇿 Czechia
– 🇭🇺 Hungary
– 🇵🇱 Poland
– 🇷🇴 Romania
– 🇺🇦 Ukraine

History of « Nad Tatrou sa blýska »

« Nad Tatrou sa blýska » (Lightning Over the Tatras) is the national anthem of Slovakia. The anthem reflects the country’s natural beauty, its struggle for independence, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Key Dates and People

1844: The lyrics of « Nad Tatrou sa blýska » were written by Janko Matúška, a Slovak poet and student, during the Slovak national revival movement.
1844: The music for the anthem is based on a traditional Slovak folk melody. The song quickly became popular among Slovak patriots and was used as a symbol of national identity.
1993: Following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, « Nad Tatrou sa blýska » was officially adopted as the national anthem of the newly independent Slovak Republic.

Anecdotes

National Revival: The anthem was written during a period of national revival in Slovakia, when there was a growing sense of Slovak identity and a desire for greater cultural and political autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Symbol of Resistance: Throughout Slovakia’s history, including periods of foreign domination and occupation, « Nad Tatrou sa blýska » has served as a symbol of resistance and national pride. It has inspired generations of Slovaks to continue the struggle for freedom and independence.
Cultural Significance: « Nad Tatrou sa blýska » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Slovak people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Slovaks.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Slovak

Nad Tatrou sa blýska,
hromy divo bijú.
Nad Tatrou sa blýska,
hromy divo bijú.
Zastavme ich, bratia,
veď sa ony stratia,
Slováci ožijú.
Zastavme ich, bratia,
veď sa ony stratia,
Slováci ožijú.

In English (translation)

Lightning over the Tatras,
thunder wildly pounding.
Lightning over the Tatras,
thunder wildly pounding.
Let us stop them, brothers,
for they will disappear,
the Slovaks will revive.
Let us stop them, brothers,
for they will disappear,
the Slovaks will revive.

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