Andorra National Anthem
El Gran Carlemany
The Great Charlemagne
1914
December 22, 1942
April 2, 1917
Joan Benlloch i Vivo
Enric Marfany Bons
🏺 Ancestors / Heritage 🕊 Freedom ✝ God / Faith 👑 Monarchy |
Key Facts
- 1. Andorra's anthem refers to Charlemagne as the country's founding father
- 2. Written in Catalan, Andorra's only official language, which is also co-official in parts of Spain
- 3. Describes Andorra as a neutral daughter between two nations (France and Spain)
Andorra National Anthem Lyrics
El gran Carlemany, mon pare,
dels alarbs em deslliurà,
I del cel vida em donà,
de Meritxell, la gran Mare.
Princesa nasquí i Pubilla
entre dues nacions, neutral;
sols resto l'única filla,
de l'imperi Carlemany.
Creient i lliure onze segles,
creient i lliure vull ser.
Siguin els furs mos tutors
i mos Prínceps defensors!
I mos Prínceps defensors!
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialWritten in 1914, the anthem references Charlemagne, who according to tradition granted Andorra its charter. It reflects Andorra's unique position as a tiny principality nestled between France and Spain, and pays tribute to the Virgin of Meritxell, patron saint of Andorra. The Consell General recognized it as Andorra’s national anthem on 2 April 1917 and formally declared it official on 22 December 1942. These are distinct milestones; 1921 is not the formal adoption year.
Learn More
Sources & References
- L'himne andorrà: monogràfic (El Gran Carlemany) . Arxiu Nacional d'Andorra (2025)
- El Gran Carlemany . en.wikipedia.org
Source & Review
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