Panama
Himno Istmeno
Hymn of the Isthmus
1903
1925
Jeronimo de la Ossa
Santos Jorge Amátrian
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Context
Written by Jeronimo de la Ossa with music by Santos Jorge Amatrian shortly after Panama declared independence from Colombia on November 3, 1903. The anthem was officially adopted in 1925. Its title, 'Hymn of the Isthmus,' references Panama's geographic identity as the narrow land bridge connecting North and South America.
Lyrics
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.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • 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
- • 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
- • 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