Cuban National Anthem

The Cuban National Anthem

The Cuban National Anthem lyrics and music were composed by the remarkable Cuban patriot Pedro Figueredo Cisneros (Perucho). It was sung for the first time in its original version on October 20th, 1868, when the soldiers of the Liberation Army seized the city of Bayamo. This is now recognized as one of the most important events of Cuban history. On that date it is celebrated the Cuba's Culture Day. At the time of its composition, the The Cuban National Anthem was called La Bayamesa, for two main reasons: as an evocation of La Marseillaise, a symbol of the rebelliousness of the oppressed, and for having being created at the city of Bayamo. Of deep patriotic content, this anthem forged in the struggle has been an inseparable companion of all Cubans in our fight for freedom and national sovereignty.

Translation:

¡People of Bayamo
rush to the battle
our homeland watches you proudly
don't be afraid of a glorious death
because to die for the homeland is to live.

To live with chains is to live
with dishonour and ignominy
listen to the sound of the clarion
Rush to combat, braves!