The National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia (Himno Nacional de la República de Colombia) is a song often heard in Colombia. Traditionally, the song is played at most events in Colombia by using the chorus, the first verse, followed by the chorus again.
The Colombia National Anthem was inspired and pushed for in 1887 by José Domingo Torres, who was himself passionate about his country and theatrical music. The lyrics of the song are accredited to the Colombian President at the time Rafael Núñez. The Colombia National Anthem was also penned to honor the city of Cartagena.
Italian opera teacher, Oreste Sindici, composed the music of the Colombia National Anthem which unsurprisingly resembles that an Italian opera. The song was officially declared the Colombia National anthem in 1920, and goes as follows:
O unfading glory!
O immortal joy!
In furrows of pain
goodness germinates now.
The horrible night has ended,
the sublime liberty
pours the dawns
of its invincible light.
The whole humanity,
crying in its chains,
understands the words
of the One who died on the Cross.
"Independence!" cries
the American world;
bathed in the blood of its heroes
the land of Columbus.
Still, one great principle,
"The king is not sovereign",
resounds, and those who suffer
bless its passion.
The Orinoco's bed
fills with the remains,
of blood and a river crying
is there seen.
In Bárbula they don't know
the souls nor the eyes,
if admiration or horror
feel or suffer.
On the shores of the Caribbean,
famished the people fight,
horrors preferring
to treacherous health.
O, aye! for Cartagena
the abnegation is much,
and the remains of death
despises its virtue.
From Boyacá in the fields,
the genius of glory,
for every ear a hero
undefeated crowned.
Soldiers without breastplate
won victory;
their virile breath
as shield served.
Bolivar crosses the Andes
that two oceans bathe,
swords as sparks
shine in Junín.
Untamable centaurs
descend to the plains,
and a prescience begins to be felt,
of the epic the end.
The victorious troop
in Ayacucho thunders,
that in every triumph grows
its formidable sound.
In its expansive thrust
Liberty is worn for the first time,
from the American sky
a pavilion forming.
The virgin her hairs
pulls out in agony
and from her love widowed
hangs them on a cypress.
Regretting her hope
covered by a cold headstone,
but glorious pride
hallows her fair complexion.
Thus the motherland is formed,
Thermopylaes are breaking forth;
constellation of cyclops
its night brightened.
The trembling flower
finding the wind mortal,
underneath the laurels
safety sought.
But it's not complete glory
to defeat in battle,
that the arm that fights
is encouraged by truth.
Independence alone
The great clamour doesn't silence;
if the sun illuminates everyone,
justice is liberty.
From men the rights
Nariño preaching,
the soul of struggle
prophetically taught.
Ricaurte in San Mateo,
in atoms flying,
"Duty before life,"
with flames he wrote.
In addition to being played at political, sporting, and other major events, the Colombia National Anthem is also played every morning and evening (6 AM and 6 PM). Hopefully, visitors will appreciate and enjoy the Colombian National Anthem as much as its citizens do.