The national anthem of Andorra is titled “El Gran Carlemany” (The Great Charlemagne). The lyrics were written by Joan Benlloch i Vivó in 1914, and the melody is based on a traditional Andorran folk tune. The anthem highlights Andorra’s origins, independence, and historical protection.
lyrics
El gran Carlemany, mon pare,
dels alarbs em deslliurà,
i del cel vida em donà
de Meritxell la gran Mare.
Princesa nasquí i pubilla
entre dos nacions, neutral;
sols resto l’única filla
de l’Imperi Carolingi.
Creient i lliure onze segles,
creient i lliure vull ser;
siguin els furs mos tutors
i mos Prínceps defensors.
English
The great Charlemagne, my father,
freed me from the Arabs,
and from heaven gave me life
through the great Mother of Meritxell.
I was born a princess and an heir
between two nations, neutral;
I remain the only daughter
of the Carolingian Empire.
Faithful and free for eleven centuries,
faithful and free I wish to remain;
may my laws be my guardians
and my Princes my defenders.
What the Lyrics Mean (Line by Line)
“The great Charlemagne, my father”
Andorra presents itself as a symbolic child of Charlemagne, linking its identity to medieval Europe.
“Freed me from the Arabs”
This line refers to legends about Charlemagne protecting the region during early conflicts in the Pyrenees.
“Mother of Meritxell”
Meritxell is Andorra’s patron saint. Her mention ties national identity to faith.
“Born between two nations, neutral”
This clearly points to Andorra’s location between France and Spain and its long-standing neutrality.
“Only daughter of the Carolingian Empire”
Andorra claims continuity from an empire that no longer exists, emphasizing survival.
“Faithful and free for eleven centuries”
The anthem stresses endurance. Independence is shown as historical, not recent.
“My laws and my Princes”
This refers to Andorra’s unique political system with co-princes and strong local laws.
The Story Behind Andorra’s National Anthem
Andorra’s national anthem was written in the early 20th century, but its message looks far deeper into the past. At the time, Andorra was a small, quiet principality with a strong sense of historical continuity.
Joan Benlloch i Vivó, who later became a bishop, wrote the lyrics to give Andorra a clear national voice. Rather than focusing on war or conquest, he chose history, neutrality, and faith as central themes.
The anthem draws heavily on legend, especially the idea that Charlemagne played a role in Andorra’s early protection. Whether literal or symbolic, this connection strengthens the country’s claim to ancient independence.
By highlighting neutrality and legal tradition, the anthem reflects how Andorra survived between two powerful neighbors without losing its identity.
Today, El Gran Carlemany remains one of the few national anthems that openly emphasizes neutrality, making it a clear reflection of Andorra’s political and cultural character.
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