Dominican Republic national anthem lyrics

Dominican Republic national anthem lyrics belong to Himno Nacional Dominicano, the official anthem of the Dominican Republic. The lyrics were written by Emilio Prud’Homme, while the music was composed by José Reyes. The anthem was first performed in 1883 and officially adopted in 1934. Its words focus on freedom, resistance, and the determination of the Dominican people to remain independent despite repeated conflicts and foreign control.

Dominican Republic’s National Anthem

The national anthem of the Dominican Republic was created during a period marked by political tension and struggles for sovereignty. Rather than speaking in abstract ideas, the anthem names real battles, real leaders, and real sacrifices. It reminds listeners that independence was earned through action and unity, not granted easily.

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.

Dominican Republic National Anthem: Meaning and Analysis

The Dominican Republic national anthem speaks clearly and firmly. It addresses citizens directly and places responsibility on them to protect their freedom.

Verse I

“Quisqueyanos valientes, alcemos nuestro canto con viva emoción,”
The anthem opens by calling Dominicans to raise their voices with pride and emotion, setting a serious and determined tone.

“Y del mundo a la faz ostentemos nuestro invicto glorioso pendón.”
This line encourages the nation to show its flag to the world as a sign of independence and strength.

Verse II

“¡Salve! El pueblo que, intrépido y fuerte, a la guerra murió,”
These lines honor those who chose to fight rather than submit to oppression.

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

Verse III

“Ningún pueblo ser libre merece si es esclavo indolente y servil;”
The anthem states that freedom requires effort and courage from the people.

“Mas Quisqueya la indómita y brava siempre altiva la frente alzará;”
The country is portrayed as proud and unyielding, no matter how many times it is challenged.

The Story Behind the Dominican Republic’s National Anthem

The Dominican Republic’s national anthem was created in the late 19th century, during a time when the country was still defining its national identity. José Reyes composed the music in 1883, and Emilio Prud’Homme, a poet and educator, later wrote the lyrics.

Although the anthem became popular quickly, political disagreements delayed its official recognition. Different lyric versions circulated for years, and debates continued over which version best represented the nation.

In 1934, the government officially adopted Prud’Homme’s lyrics and Reyes’ composition. Since then, Himno Nacional Dominicano has remained unchanged. Today, it serves as a reminder that the country’s independence was achieved through struggle and must always be defended