The Himno Nacional Argentino is the official national anthem of Argentina. The words were written by Vicente López y Planes. The music was composed by Blas Parera. This important song became Argentina's national anthem on May 11, 1813. This was three years before Argentina officially declared its independence from Spain. Because of this, May 11 is celebrated as Anthem Day in Argentina.
The Modern Anthem
The modern version of the anthem was adopted in 1900. It is shorter and less aggressive than the original. It focuses more on the idea of freedom and unity.
| Spanish lyrics |
English translation |
Oíd, mortales, el grito sagrado:
"¡Libertad, libertad, libertad!"
Oíd el ruido de rotas cadenas,
ved en trono a la noble igualdad.
Ya su trono dignísimo abrieron
las Provincias Unidas del Sud
y los libres del mundo responden:
"Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡salud!
Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡salud!"
Y los libres del mundo responden:
"Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡salud!"
|
Hear mortals, the sacred cry:
"Liberty, liberty, liberty!"
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see enthroned the noble Equality.
To his dignified throne open
the United Provinces of the South
And the free people of the world reply:
"To the great Argentinian people, salute!"
"To the great Argentinian people, salute!"
And the free people of the world reply:
"To the great Argentinian people, salute!"
|
Estribillo
Sean eternos los laureles
que supimos conseguir,
que supimos conseguir.
Coronados de gloria vivamos...
¡o juremos con gloria morir!,
¡o juremos con gloria morir!,
¡o juremos con gloria morir!
|
Chorus
May the laurels be eternal
that we knew how to win,
that we knew how to win.
Let us live crowned with glory...
or swear with glory to die!
Or swear with glory to die!
Or swear with glory to die!
|
The Original Anthem
The original version of the anthem was called Marcha Patriótica (Patriotic March). It was much longer than the modern version. It included many strong messages about fighting for freedom. It also mentioned specific battles and places. This version was very popular when Argentina was fighting for its independence.
Here are some parts of the original anthem:
| Spanish lyrics |
English translation |
Oíd, mortales, el grito sagrado:
Libertad, libertad, libertad.
Oíd el ruido de rotas cadenas,
Ved en trono a la noble igualdad.
Se levanta a la faz de la Tierra
una nueva y gloriosa Nación,
coronada su sien de laureles,
y a sus plantas rendido un león.
|
Mortals! Hear the sacred cry:
Freedom, freedom, freedom!
Hear the noise of broken chains,
see noble Equality enthroned.
Rises to the heights of the Earth
a new and glorious nation,
its head crowned with laurels,
and at her feet lying a Lion.
|
Coro
Sean eternos los laureles,
que supimos conseguir.
Coronados de gloria vivamos...
o juremos con gloria morir.
|
Chorus
May the laurels be eternal,
that we knew how to win.
Let us live crowned with glory...
or swear to die gloriously.
|
El valiente argentino a las armas
corre ardiendo con brío y valor,
el clarín de la guerra, cual trueno,
en los campos del Sud resonó.
Buenos Ayres se opone a la frente
de los pueblos de la ínclita unión,
y con brazos robustos desgarran
al ibérico altivo león.
|
The valiant Argentinian to arms
runs burning with determination and bravery,
the war bugler, as thunder,
in the fields of the South resounds.
Buenos Ayres opposes, leading
the people of the illustrious Union,
and with robust arms they tear
the arrogant Iberian lion.
|
Desde un polo hasta el otro resuena
de la fama el sonoro clarín,
y de América el nombre enseñando
les repite: "¡Mortales, oíd!:
ya su trono dignísimo abrieron
las Provincias Unidas del Sud".
Y los libres del mundo responden:
"Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡salud!
|
From one pole to the other resounds
the fame of the sonorous bugler,
and of America the name showing
they repeat "Mortals, hear:
The United Provinces of the South
have now displayed their most honorable throne".
And the free people of the world reply:
"We salute the great people of Argentina!"
|
Sean eternos los laureles
que supimos conseguir.
Coronados de gloria vivamos...
¡o juremos con gloria morir!
|
May the laurels be eternal,
that we knew how to win.
Let us live crowned with glory...
or swear to die gloriously!
|
Images for kids
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The Argentine National Anthem being played for the first time in Mariquita Sánchez's house (painting by Pedro Subercaseaux)
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See also
In Spanish: Himno Nacional Argentino para niños
