Dominican national anthem lyrics

Dominican national anthem lyrics belong to Himno Nacional Dominicano, the official national anthem of the Dominican Republic. The lyrics were written by Emilio Prud’Homme, and the music was composed by José Reyes. The anthem was first performed in 1883 and officially adopted in 1934. Its lyrics focus on freedom, resistance, and the long struggle of the Dominican people to protect their independence. Today, it is sung at schools, government events, and national celebrations across the country.

Dominican Republic’s National Anthem

The national anthem of the Dominican Republic was created during a period of political instability and repeated foreign interventions. Unlike songs written in peaceful times, this anthem speaks openly about battles, sacrifice, and the determination to remain free. It reflects the country’s history of defending its sovereignty and honors those who fought to establish the nation.

Lyrics

Himno Nacional Dominicano

Quisqueyanos valientes, alcemos
nuestro canto con viva emoción,
y del mundo a la faz ostentemos
nuestro invicto glorioso pendón.

¡Salve! El pueblo que, intrépido y fuerte,
a la guerra murió,
cuando en bélico reto de muerte
sus cadenas de esclavo rompió.

Ningún pueblo ser libre merece
si es esclavo indolente y servil;
si en su pecho la llama no crece
que templó el heroísmo viril.

Mas Quisqueya la indómita y brava
siempre altiva la frente alzará;
que si fuere mil veces esclava,
otras tantas ser libre sabrá.

Que si dolo y ardid la expusieron
de un intruso señor al desdén,
¡las Carreras! ¡Beller!… campos fueron
que cubiertos de gloria se ven.

Que en la cima de heroico baluarte
de los libres el verbo encarnó,
donde el genio de Sánchez y Duarte
a ser libre o morir enseñó.

Y si pudo inconsulto caudillo
de esas glorias el brillo empañar,
de la guerra se vio en Capotillo
la bandera de fuego ondear.

Y el incendio que atónito deja
de Castilla al soberbio león,
de las playas gloriosas le aleja
donde flota el cruzado pendón.

Compatriotas, mostremos erguida
nuestra frente, orgullosos de hoy más;
que Quisqueya será destruida
pero sierva de nuevo, ¡jamás!

Que es santuario de amor cada pecho
do la patria se siente vivir;
y es su escudo invencible: el derecho;
y es su lema: ser libre o morir.

Anthem: Meaning and Analysis

The Dominican national anthem is firm and direct. It speaks to citizens as participants in the nation’s history, not as distant observers.

Verse I

“Quisqueyanos valientes, alcemos nuestro canto con viva emoción,”
The anthem opens by addressing Dominicans directly, calling on them to raise their voices with pride and emotion.

“Y del mundo a la faz ostentemos nuestro invicto glorioso pendón.”
This line speaks about showing the national flag to the world as a sign of strength and independence.

Verse II

“¡Salve! El pueblo que, intrépido y fuerte, a la guerra murió,”
The anthem honors those who faced death in war rather than accept submission.

“Cuando en bélico reto de muerte sus cadenas de esclavo rompió.”
Freedom is described as something earned through struggle, not given.

Verse III

“Ningún pueblo ser libre merece si es esclavo indolente y servil;”
These lines make a strong statement: freedom requires effort, courage, and responsibility.

“Mas Quisqueya la indómita y brava siempre altiva la frente alzará;”
The country is portrayed as proud and unyielding, regardless of hardship.

The Story Behind the Dominican National Anthem

The Dominican national anthem was created in the late 19th century, a time when the country was still shaping its national identity. José Reyes composed the music in 1883, and Emilio Prud’Homme, a poet and teacher, later wrote the lyrics to match it.

The anthem was first performed in Santo Domingo and quickly gained popularity among the public. However, political divisions and disagreements over the lyrics delayed its official adoption for many years. Different versions circulated, and debates continued about which lyrics best represented the nation.

In 1934, the government officially adopted Prud’Homme’s lyrics and Reyes’ music as the national anthem. Since then, Himno Nacional Dominicano has remained unchanged. Today, it stands as a reminder of the Dominican Republic’s long fight for independence and the belief that freedom must always be defended.