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Peru

Himno Nacional del Peru

National Anthem of Peru

1821
1821
Jose de la Torre Ugarte
Jose Bernardo Alcedo
🕊 Freedom 🗽 Independence Battle / War 🔥 Revolution |

Key Facts

  • 1. The original manuscript of the anthem's score was lost for decades and only rediscovered in the National Library of Peru in the early 20th century.
  • 2. Peru's anthem originally had six stanzas with graphic descriptions of battle violence; the lyrics were toned down in an official 2009 revision by the Constitutional Tribunal.
  • 3. The opening words 'Somos libres' (We are free) have become such an iconic national catchphrase that they appear on Peruvian coins, murals, and protest banners alike.
Peru - Himno Nacional del Peru

Lyrics

Only the chorus and the first verse are customarily sung
[Coro] Somos libres, seámoslo siempre, Seámoslo siempre, Y antes niegue sus luces el sol, Que faltemos al voto solemne Que la patria al Eterno elevó. Largo tiempo el peruano oprimido La ominosa cadena arrastró; Condenado a una cruel servidumbre, Largo tiempo en silencio gimió. Mas apenas el grito sagrado ¡Libertad! En sus costas se oyó, La indolencia de esclavo sacude, La humillada cerviz levantó.

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

Analysis

Editorial

One of the oldest anthems in South America, written by Jose de la Torre Ugarte with music by Jose Bernardo Alcedo. Adopted in 1821 when Peru declared independence from Spain. The anthem was commissioned by independence leader Jose de San Martin.

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