All anthems

Bolivia

Himno Nacional de Bolivia

National Anthem of Bolivia

1845
1851
Jose Ignacio de Sanjines
Leopoldo Benedetto Vincenti
🕊 Freedom 🗽 Independence Battle / War 🚩 Flag |

Context

Written by Jose Ignacio de Sanjines with music by Italian-born Leopoldo Benedetto Vincenti, the anthem was adopted in 1851. Bolivia is named after Simon Bolivar, the Venezuelan-born liberator who helped free much of South America from Spanish rule. The anthem celebrates the end of colonial subjugation.

Lyrics

Bolivianos, el hado propicio Corono nuestros votos y anhelo; Es ya libre, ya libre este suelo, Ya ceso su servil condicion. Al estruendo marcial que ayer fuera Y al clamor de la guerra horrendo, Hoy se cambian, van repitiendo: Libertad! Libertad! Libertad!

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

Interesting facts

  • Bolivia is named after Simon Bolivar, though he only served as the country's first president for a few months
  • The music was composed by an Italian immigrant, following a common pattern in Latin American anthem history where European composers were commissioned
  • Bolivia is one of two landlocked countries in South America, having lost its coastline to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884), a loss still deeply felt by Bolivians

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