All anthems

Uruguay

Himno Nacional de Uruguay

National Anthem of Uruguay

1833
1848
Francisco Acuna de Figueroa
Francisco Jose Debali and Fernando Quijano
🕊 Freedom 🗽 Independence Battle / War 🚩 Flag |

Context

Written by Francisco Acuna de Figueroa (who also authored Paraguay's anthem) with music by Francisco Jose Debali and Fernando Quijano, adopted in 1848. At approximately five minutes in its shortened form, it is one of the longest national anthems in the world. Uruguayans are called 'Orientales' (Easterners) because the country lies east of the Uruguay River.

Lyrics

Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba! Libertad, o con gloria morir! Es el voto que el alma pronuncia, Y que heroicos sabremos cumplir.

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

Interesting facts

  • Francisco Acuna de Figueroa also wrote the anthem of Paraguay, making him the only poet to have authored two national anthems
  • The full anthem lasts approximately 11 minutes, making it one of the longest in the world; only the first and last verses are typically performed
  • Uruguayans are called 'Orientales' (Easterners) because the country's colonial name was 'Banda Oriental' (Eastern Bank), referring to its position east of the Uruguay River

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