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Himno Nacional de Panamá
English: National anthem of Panama
Himno Nacional de Panamá Página 1.jpg
Sheet music of the national anthem of Panama
National anthem of Panama
Also known as Alcanzamos por fin la victoria
English: At last we reached victory
Lyrics Jeronimo de la Ossa, 1903
Music Santos A. Jorge, 1903
Adopted 1906

The "Himno Istmeño" (which means "Isthmian Hymn") is the official national anthem of Panama. It is also known by its first line, "Alcanzamos por fin la victoria" ("At last we reached victory"). The beautiful music was created by Santos A. Jorge, and the words were written by Jeronimo de la Ossa. This special song celebrates the spirit and hard work of the Panamanian people.

The Story of Panama's Anthem

How the Music Began

Back in 1897, a talented musician named Santos Jorge, who was originally from Spain, composed a song called "Himno Istmeño." This song started as a tune for students but quickly became very popular across Panama. At first, it only had music, without any words.

Adding the Words

When Panama became independent from Colombia in 1903, a new country needed a national anthem for important events. The United States ambassador, William I. Buchanan, was visiting, and there was no official song to play. Santos Jorge suggested using his popular "Himno Istmeño." Everyone liked this idea! Jorge then asked his friend, Jerónimo Ossa, to write words for the music. Jerónimo agreed and created the lyrics we know today.

Becoming the Official Anthem

In 1906, Panama's National Assembly officially adopted the anthem. They planned to hold a competition later to find a new anthem, but the people of Panama loved this song so much that they chose it again. Finally, in 1941, the Constitution of Panama made the "Himno Istmeño" the permanent national symbol.

A Modern Recording

Many years later, in 2012, the National Anthem was recorded digitally for the very first time. Before this, there wasn't a modern digital version. This new recording took place at the National Theatre of Panama. It featured the National Symphony Orchestra [es] and two choirs. This new digital version was then made available for everyone to download for free.

The Anthem's Words

The lyrics of the Panamanian National Anthem tell a story of victory, peace, and hard work. Here are the original Spanish words and their English translation:

Spanish original English translation

Coro:
Alcanzamos por fin la victoria
En el campo feliz de la unión;
𝄆 Con ardientes fulgores de gloria
¡Se ilumina la nueva nación! 𝄇

I
Es preciso cubrir con un velo
Del pasado el calvario y la cruz;
Y que adorne el azul de tu cielo
De concordia la espléndida luz.

El progreso acaricia tus lares.
Al compás de sublime canción,
Ves rugir a tus pies ambos mares
Que dan rumbo a tu noble misión.

Coro

II
En tu suelo cubierto de flores
A los besos del tibio terral,
Terminaron guerreros fragores;
Sólo reina el amor fraternal.

Adelante la pica y la pala,
Al trabajo sin más dilación,
Y seremos así prez y gala
De este mundo feraz de Colón.

Coro

Chorus:
At last we reached victory
In the joyous field of the union;
𝄆 With ardent fires of glory
A new nation shines bright. 𝄇

I
It is necessary to cover with a veil
The past time of Calvary and cross;
Let now the blue skies be adorned with
The splendid light of the concord.

Progress caresses your path.
To the rhythm of a sublime song,
You see both your seas roar at your feet
Giving you a path to your noble mission.

Chorus

II
In your soil covered with flowers
To the kisses of the warm terrestrial breeze,
Warrior roars have ceased;
Only fraternal love reigns.

Ahead the shovel and pick,
At work without any more dilation,
and we will be as such at work and gala
of this fruitful world of Columbus.

Chorus

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Himno nacional de Panamá para niños

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