The national anthem of Portugal is titled "A Portuguesa", which translates to "The Portuguese Song" in English.
The anthem was officially adopted on July 19, 1911, following the Republican Revolution of 1910 that overthrew the monarchy.
The music was composed by Alfredo Keil and the lyrics were written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça.
The anthem was initially a patriotic song provoked by the 1890 British Ultimatum demanding Portugal to abandon its colonial territories in Africa. The strong nationalistic sentiments of the song resonated with the public, leading to its adoption as the national anthem.
The lyrics of "A Portuguesa" speak of the love for the homeland, the history of the nation, and the desire for national sovereignty.
The anthem is traditionally played at official state functions, during national holidays, and at international events where Portugal is represented.
The lyrics translated into English:
Heroes of the sea, noble people,
Brave, immortal nation,
Raise once again today
The splendor of Portugal!
Among the mist of memory,
Oh Fatherland, one feels the voice
Of your distinguished forefathers,
That shall lead you on to victory!
Chorus:
To arms, to arms!
Over land, over sea,
To arms, to arms!
For the Fatherland, fight!
Against the cannons, march on, march on!
II
Hoist the undefeated flag,
In the lively light of your sky!
May Europe cry out to the whole Earth:
Portugal has not perished
Kiss your merry ground
The ocean, roaring with love,
And your victorious arm
Gave new worlds to the world!
Chorus
III
Salute the Sun that rises
Over a gleeful future;
Let the echo of an offense
Be the sign for a comeback.
Rays of this strong dawn
Are like a mother's kisses,
That keep us, sustain us,
Against the injuries of fate.
Chorus
Original lyrics:
Heróis do mar, nobre povo,
Nação valente, imortal,
Levantai hoje de novo
O esplendor de Portugal!
Entre as brumas da memória,
Ó Pátria, sente-se a voz
Dos teus egrégios avós,
Que há-de guiar-te à vitória!
Coro:
Às armas, às armas!
Sobre a terra, sobre o mar,
Às armas, às armas!
Pela Pátria lutar!
Contra os canhões, marchar, marchar!
II
Desfralda a invicta Bandeira,
À luz viva do teu céu!
Brade a Europa à terra inteira:
Portugal não pereceu
Beija o solo teu jucundo
O Oceano, a rugir d'amor,
E teu braço vencedor
Deu mundos novos ao Mundo!
Coro
III
Saudai o Sol que desponta
Sobre um ridente porvir;
Seja o eco de uma afronta
O sinal do ressurgir.
Raios dessa aurora forte
São como beijos de mãe,
Que nos guardam, nos sustêm,
Contra as injúrias da sorte.
Coro
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