Portugal
A Portuguesa
The Portuguese
1890
1911
Henrique Lopes de Mendonca
Alfredo Keil
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Context
Written in 1890 by Henrique Lopes de Mendonca with music by Alfredo Keil, originally as a patriotic response to the British Ultimatum of 1890. It became the national anthem after the overthrow of the monarchy in 1910 and the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1911.
Lyrics
Heróis do mar, nobre povo,
Nação valente, imortal,
Levantai hoje de novo
O esplendor de Portugal!
Entre as brumas da memória,
Ó Pátria, sente-se a voz
Dos teus egrégios avós,
Que há-de guiar-te à vitória!
Às armas, às armas!
Sobre a terra, sobre o mar,
Às armas, às armas!
Pela Pátria lutar!
Contra os canhões, marchar, marchar!
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Written as a protest song against the British Ultimatum, which forced Portugal to withdraw from territories in Africa
- • Originally a republican revolutionary song that became the anthem after the monarchy was overthrown
- • The phrase 'To arms!' echoes the French Marseillaise, reflecting republican inspiration