Costa Rica
Himno Nacional de Costa Rica
National Anthem of Costa Rica
1852
1949
Jose Maria Zeledon Brenes
Manuel Maria Gutierrez
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Context
The music was composed in 1852 by Manuel Maria Gutierrez, but the current lyrics by Jose Maria Zeledon Brenes were not adopted until 1949. The anthem is notably peaceful in tone, reflecting Costa Rica's identity as a nation that abolished its military in 1948. It celebrates the dignity of agricultural labor rather than military conquest.
Lyrics
Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera
Expresion de tu vida nos da:
Bajo el limpido azul de tu cielo
Blanca y pura descansa la paz.
En la lucha tenaz de fecunda labor
Que enrojece del hombre la faz,
Conquistaron tus hijos, labriegos sencillos,
Eterno prestigio, estima y honor.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Costa Rica's anthem is one of the few in the world that makes no reference to war or battle, mirroring the country's decision to abolish its army in 1948
- • The original 1852 lyrics were replaced in 1949 because they were considered too bellicose for a nation that had just disbanded its military
- • The anthem's emphasis on 'simple farmers' reflects Costa Rica's historical identity as a nation of small landholders rather than large estates