Panama
Himno Istmeno
Hymn of the Isthmus
1903
1925
Jeronimo de la Ossa
Santos Jorge Amátrian
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Key Facts
- 1. The anthem was written just days after Panama's separation from Colombia in 1903, making it one of the fastest-composed national anthems in history
- 2. The title 'Himno Istmeno' (Hymn of the Isthmus) refers to the Isthmus of Panama, the narrow strip of land that inspired the construction of the Panama Canal
- 3. Panama's independence was closely tied to the United States' interest in building the canal, and the anthem's emphasis on 'new nation' reflects this dramatic birth
Lyrics
[Coro]
Alcanzamos por fin la victoria
En el campo feliz de la union;
Con ardientes fulgores de gloria
Se ilumina la nueva nacion.
Es preciso cubrir con un velo
Del pasado el calvario y la cruz;
Y que adorne el azul de tu cielo
De concordia la esplendida luz.
El progreso acaricia tus lares.
Al compas de sublime cancion,
Ves rugir a tus pies ambos mares
Que dan rumbo a tu noble mision.
[Coro]
En tu suelo cubierto de flores
A los besos del tibio terral,
Terminaron guerreros fragores;
Solo reina el amor fraternal.
Adelante la pica y la pala,
Al trabajo sin mas dilacion,
Y seremos asi prez y gala
De este mundo feraz de Colon.
[Coro]
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialWritten by Jeronimo de la Ossa with music by Santos Jorge Amatrian shortly after Panama declared independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903. The anthem was officially adopted in 1925. Its title, 'Hymn of the Isthmus,' references Panama's geographic identity as the narrow land bridge connecting North and South America.