National Anthem Comparison
Colombia vs Panama
2
Shared themes
✓
Same mood
16
16 years apart
✗
Different continents
Comparison Analysis
Colombia (South America) and Panama (North America) come from different parts of the world, yet both express national identity through song. Colombia's "National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia" was written in 1887; Panama's "Hymn of the Isthmus" in 1903.
Both anthems share themes of Freedom and Independence. Colombia additionally explores Battle / War and God / Faith, while Panama also touches on Unity, Peace and Prosperity.
Both anthems carry a Proud tone, creating a similar emotional register despite their geographic distance.
Shared themes
Colombia
🕊 Freedom 🗽 Independence ⚔ Battle / War ✝ God / Faith
Panama
🗽 Independence 🕊 Freedom 🤝 Unity ☮ Peace 🌾 Prosperity
Shared themes:
🕊 Freedom 🗽 Independence
Metadata
| Colombia | Panama | |
|---|---|---|
| Written | 1887 | 1903 |
| Adopted | 1920 | 1925 |
| Lyricist | Rafael Nunez | Jeronimo de la Ossa |
| Composer | Oreste Sindici | Santos Jorge Amátrian |
| Language | es | es |
| Region | South America | Central America |
Lyrics Side by Side
Colombia
Himno Nacional de la Republica de Colombia
Original
[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.
Translation
[Chorus]
Oh unfading glory!
Oh immortal joy!
In furrows of sorrow
Goodness now germinates.
The horrible night has ceased,
Sublime liberty
Spreads the dawns
Of its invincible light.
All of humanity,
Which groans in chains,
Understands the words
Of the one who died on the cross.
Panama
Himno Istmeno
Original
[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]
Translation
[Chorus]
We finally achieved victory
In the joyful field of union;
With ardent rays of glory
The new nation is illuminated.
It is necessary to cover with a veil
The calvary and cross of the past;
And let the blue of your sky
Be adorned by the splendid light of concord.
Progress caresses your homes
To the rhythm of a sublime song,
You see both seas roar at your feet,
Giving direction to your noble mission.
[Chorus]
On your soil covered with flowers,
Kissed by the warm land breeze,
Warriors' thunders have ended;
Only fraternal love reigns.
Forward with pick and shovel,
To work without further delay,
And thus we shall be the pride and glory
Of this fertile world of Columbus.
[Chorus]
Interesting facts
Colombia
- 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.
Panama
- 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
Listen
Colombia
Panama
