National Anthem of Costa Rica

Historical Background

The National anthem of Costa Rica invokes the spirit of patriotism amongst the people of the nation. A public competition was held in 1903, in order to choose the lyrics of the national antem. Mr. Jose Maria Zeledon won the contest and the lyrics of the National anthem of Costa Rica were written by him. The music of the anthem was composed by Manuel Maria Gutierrez who was the director of the National Army Orchestra in Costa Rica. Music of the National anthem was originally adopted in the year 1853 and played for the first time at the Presidential Palace (Casa de Gobierno) on 11 June, 1852.

The first rendition of the National anthem of Costa Rica was on 15 September, 1903. The lyrics of the official version of the anthem are in Spanish, which is also the country's official language. In spite of its common use, the National anthem of Costa Rica attained official status only in the year 1949.

The lyrics of the National address the "campesinos". The "campesinos" were the farmers who had laid the foundation of democracy and development of Costa Rica in the early 20th Century.

Here are the lyrics of the official version of the National anthem of Costa Rica.

1
¡Noble Patria!, tu hermosa bandera,
expresión de tu vida nos da:
bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo,
blanca y pura descansa la paz.

2
En la lucha tenaz de fecunda labor
que enrojece del hombre la faz,
conquistaron tus hijos -labriegos sencillos-
eterno prestigio, estima y honor. (bis)

3
¡Salve, oh tierra gentil!
¡Salve, oh Madre de amor!

4
Cuando alguno pretenda tu gloria manchar,
verás a tu pueblo valiente y viril,
la tosca herramienta en arma trocar.

5
¡Salve, oh Patria! tu pródigo suelo
dulce abrigo y sustento nos da.

Bajo el límpido azul de tu cielo
¡Vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz!

This article provides an overview of the history of the National anthem of Costa Rica. For more on Costa Rica, visit: 123independenceday.com