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Colombia

Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia

National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia

1887
1920
Rafael Nunez
Oreste Sindici
🕊 Freedom 🗽 Independence Battle / War God / Faith |

Key Facts

  • 1. A complete performance of all eleven verses takes over five minutes, making it impractical for sporting events where only the chorus and first verse are sung.
  • 2. The anthem quotes Biblical imagery in its opening stanza, comparing Colombia's suffering to the passion of Christ, which is unusual for a Latin American state anthem.
  • 3. Colombian law requires that all radio and television stations broadcast the anthem at 6:00 AM and midnight every day.
Colombia - Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia

Lyrics

Only the chorus and the first verse are customarily performed
[Coro] ¡Oh gloria inmarcesible! ¡Oh júbilo inmortal! En surcos de dolores El bien germina ya. Cesó la horrible noche, La libertad sublime Derrama las auroras De su invencible luz. La humanidad entera, Que entre cadenas gime, Comprende las palabras Del que murió en la cruz.

Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals

Analysis

Editorial

The lyrics were written by Rafael Nunez, who was also president of Colombia, with music by Italian-born Oreste Sindici. First performed in 1887, it was officially adopted in 1920. The anthem's eleven verses trace Colombia's history from colonial oppression through the wars of independence led by Simon Bolivar.

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