We explain what the Mexican National Anthem is like and the history of its creation. In addition, we explain its characteristics, lyrics, versions and reviews.
From the original version of the Mexican anthem only stanzas I, V, VI and X remain.
What is the National Anthem of Mexico?
The Mexican National Anthem is one of the country’s national symbols, along with:
- National flag. Three vertical stripes of green, white and red, symbolising nature, virtues and honour. The national coat of arms is also located on the strip.
- National Emblem. It represents an eagle catching a snake. This image comes from the creation myth of the city of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City), according to which the god Huitzilopochtli ordered the Nahuas to settle in a place where they found an eagle perched on a cactus and devouring a snake.
National symbols are not only an image of the nation before other countries, but also one of the means of strengthening a national identity.
See also: Battle of Puebla.
Full original version of the Mexican National Anthem
Of these ten stanzas, only I, V, VI and X are still included in the Mexican National Anthem today.
Chorus:
Mexican to the war cry
Prepare the steel and the steed
and the Earth trembles in its center
to the sonorous roar of the cannon.
Yo
Encircle, oh Fatherland, your olive temples
of peace the divine archangel,
that in heaven your eternal destiny
it was written by the finger of God.
But if a strange enemy dares
desecrate your soil with his foot,
Think, oh beloved homeland, that the sky
With each son he gave you a soldier.
II
In bloody battles you saw them
for your love, her breasts throbbing,
You face the shrapnel calmly,
and seek death or glory.
If the memory of ancient exploits,
of your children inflames the mind,
the laurels of triumph, your forehead,
will return immortal to adorn.
III
Like a lightning strike, the oak
collapses into the deep torrent
discord defeated, impotent,
at the feet of the archangel he fell.
No more of your children’s blood
is poured out in the strife of brothers;
just find the steel in your hands
who insulted your sacred name.
IV
From the immortal warrior of Zempoala
The terrible sword defends you,
And holds his invincible arm
your sacred tricolor banner.
He will be the happy Mexican
in peace and in war the leader,
because he knew his weapons of brilliance
to circle the fields of honor.
V
War, war without truce to whoever tries
to stain the homeland’s coat of arms!
War, war! the patriotic banners
soaked in waves of blood.
War, war! on the mountain, in the valley,
The horrible cannons thunder
and the sound echoes resonate
with the voices of Union! Freedom!
SAW
Before, Fatherland, let your children be defenseless
Bend their necks under the yoke,
Your fields are watered with blood,
his foot stamps on blood.
And your temples, palaces and towers
collapse with a horrible crash,
and its ruins exist saying:
Of a thousand heroes the homeland was here.
VII
If you fight against an enemy host
The warrior trumpet calls us,
of Iturbide the sacred flag
Mexicans! Brave ones, keep going.
And to the fierce steeds they serve
the defeated carpet flags:
the laurels of triumph cast a shadow
to the forehead of the brave champion.
VIII
Return proudly to your native homes
the warrior to tell of his victory,
displaying the palms of glory
who knew how to conquer in battle.
Their laurels turned bloody
in garlands of myrtles and roses,
that the love of daughters and wives
He also knows how to reward the brave.
IX
And he who, at the blow of burning shrapnel
of the Fatherland on the altars succumbs
will be rewarded with a grave
where the light of glory shines.
And from Iguala the beloved flag
to his bloody sword linked,
crowned with immortal laurel,
will form the cross from its grave.
X
Homeland! Homeland! Your children swear to you
to breathe out his breath on your altars,
If the bugle with its warlike accent
Calls them to struggle with bravery.
For you the olive garlands;
a memory for them of glory!
a laurel of victory for you;
a tomb of honour for them!
Author of the lyrics of the Mexican National Anthem
It is said that González’s wife locked him up and forced him to write the anthem.
The lyrics of the hymn (ten stanzas and a chorus or refrain), It was written by the poet Francisco González Bocanegraoriginally from San Luis de Potosí, a state in north-central Mexico. The anecdote has been spread that González Bocanegra did not dare to participate in the call to create the anthem, so his girlfriend, Guadalupe González del Pino, locked him in a room and did not let him out until he finished the lyrics, a task that took him four hours.
Composer of the Mexican National Anthem
The music was composed by Jaime Nunóa Spanish musician who had close relations with several Mexican politicians. At the time of the composition of the anthem, Nunó had arrived in Mexico to conduct the military bands, invited by Antonio López de Santa Anna. Due to his participation in the creation of the anthem, in 1942 (34 years after his death) his remains were brought to Mexico, as a national hero.
Background of the Mexican National Anthem
Agustín de Itubide was a politician who fought for the Spanish crown.
Prior to the creation of the current national anthem, Mexico had other anthems. For example, in 1821 José Torrescano, in honor of Agustín de Itubidea politician and military man who fought for the Spanish crown during the Mexican War of Independence. He later made a pact with the insurgents and participated in the first provisional Mexican government. This is why in 1821 a hymn was written praising this character who would soon be declared an enemy of the country.
On the other hand, Between 1849 and 1853, multiple calls were made for the composition of a new anthem, but the selected compositions were by foreign authors.
It may be useful to you: Independence of Mexico
Rejection of the Mexican National Anthem
The selection of the lyrics and music of the anthem It was the result of a call in 1854during the government of Antonio López de Santa Anna. The first time it was performed publicly was on September 15, 1954.
However, Santa Anna’s presidency lost popularity due to its growing dictatorial tendency, and the delivery of the territory of La Mesilla to the United States, in exchange for 10 million dollars.
Santa Anna was overthrown in 1855 and therefore the anthem that had been created under his mandate would be rejectedAlthough it was not banned, it was not used either.
Officialization of the Mexican National Anthem
The official anthem had only 4 stanzas and the chorus or refrain.
For almost a century the original composition suffered multiple modifications and reinterpretations, since it was not an official anthem. On May 4, 1943, President Manuel Ávila Camacho promulgated a decree that made it the National Anthem of Mexicobut only with 4 verses and the chorus.
Criticism over the content of the Mexican National Anthem
The lyrics of the anthem It is often criticized for focusing on a war theme.as are the references to war. The idealization of war conflicts is considered to be a justification of war, which various sectors of Mexican society consider should not represent their country.
Criticism over the timing of the creation of the Mexican National Anthem
The anthem was considered to be a creation of the anti-patriotic right.
The creation of the anthem She was summoned by one of the most rejected characters of postcolonial Mexican history. That is why the anthem is considered to be a creation of the anti-patriotic right and is rejected for representing that ideology.
Translations of the Mexican National Anthem
Although the official language of Mexico is Spanish, various sectors of society do not speak it. One way to bring this national symbol closer to these sectors was Translation into indigenous languages Chinantec, Otomi, Mixtec, Maya, Nahuatl and Huastec.
Use of the Mexican National Anthem
The anthem, as a national symbol, It can only be sung at official, civic, cultural, school or sporting events.It can be performed by an orchestra, but it is also permitted to be sung a cappella or accompanied only by a piano.