All anthems

Brazil

Hino Nacional Brasileiro

Brazilian National Anthem

1822
1922
Joaquim Osório Duque-Estrada
Francisco Manuel da Silva
🌿 Nature 🗽 Independence Love of homeland |

Context

The lyrics were written by Joaquim Osorio Duque-Estrada over nearly 13 years before being officially adopted in 1922. The music, however, dates back to 1831, composed by Francisco Manuel da Silva right after Emperor Pedro I abdicated. The anthem is famous for being nearly impossible to sing properly due to its archaic Portuguese and wide vocal range.

Lyrics

Ouviram do Ipiranga as margens plácidas De um povo heróico o brado retumbante, E o sol da liberdade, em raios fúlgidos, Brilhou no céu da pátria nesse instante.

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

Interesting facts

  • Brazilians frequently joke about not knowing the full lyrics because the 19th-century Portuguese is so archaic that even native speakers struggle with it
  • The melody was originally a celebration of Emperor Pedro I's abdication, essentially a 'good riddance' song that became the national anthem
  • It references the Southern Cross constellation, which appears on the Brazilian flag and is only visible from the Southern Hemisphere