National anthem of Guatemala
English: National anthem of Guatemala | |
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National anthem of Guatemala | |
Lyrics | José Joaquín Palma, February 1896 (modified in July 1934) |
Music | Rafael Álvarez Ovalle, February 1896 |
Adopted | 19 February 1896 |
Audio sample | |
"Himno Nacional de Guatemala" (instrumental)
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The national anthem of Guatemala was written by José Joaquín Palma (1844–1911) and composed by Rafael Álvarez Ovalle.
Etymology
It is often erroneously titled "Guatemala Feliz!" from its opening lyrics, but it has no official name and is only referred to in the country as "Himno Nacional".
History
It was adopted in 1896 as the winning entry in a competition held by the government. The lyrics were modified slightly in 1934 by Professor Jose Maria Bonilla Ruano, a Spanish grammar scholar. Some verses were softened in their bloody context while others were enhanced in their poetic beauty.[1]
The identity of the author of the song's original lyrics was not known until 1911, when on his deathbed, José Joaquín Palma revealed that he had authored the lyrics.
The author of the music was Rafaél Álvarez Ovalle, originary form Comalapa, Chimaltenango.
Lyrics
Spanish lyrics | English lyrics |
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First stanza | |
¡Guatemala feliz...! que tus aras |
Glad (Joyous) Guatemala! may your altar |
Second stanza | |
Si mañana tu suelo sagrado |
If tomorrow your sacred soil |
Chorus | |
Libre al viento tu hermosa bandera |
Free into the wind, your beautiful flag |
Third stanza | |
De tus viejas y duras cadenas |
From your old and hard chains |
Fourth stanza | |
Nuestros padres lucharon un día |
Our fathers fought one day, |
Chorus | |
Y lograron sin choque sangriento |
And they managed, without bloody clash, |
Fifth stanza | |
Es tu enseña pedazo de cielo |
Your emblem is a piece of the sky |
Sixth stanza | |
Pues tus hijos valientes y altivos, |
For your sons, brave and zealous, |
Chorus | |
Nunca esquivan la ruda pelea |
They will never avoid the rough battle |
Seventh stanza | |
Recostada en el Ande soberbio, |
Lying upon the proud Ande, |
Eighth stanza | |
Ave Indiana que vive en tu escudo, |
Native bird that lives in your seal |
Chorus | |
¡Ojalá que remonte su vuelo, |
May it fly high |
References
- "Guatemala". nationalanthems.info. Retrieved 21 February 2012.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to National Anthem of Guatemala. |