Peru National Anthem — Himno Nacional del Perú
The "Himno Nacional del Perú" — also known by its opening words "Somos libres" ("We Are Free") — is the national anthem of Peru. Chosen through a public competition held by the liberator José de San Martín, it has music by José Bernardo Alcedo and lyrics by José de la Torre Ugarte, and was first performed in September 1821, soon after Peru declared independence. By law, the anthem is sung as the chorus plus the sixth verse. This page gathers the anthem's Spanish lyrics, English translation, meaning and history.
Himno Nacional del Perú Spanish Lyrics
Original (Spanish) version
Somos libres, seámoslo siempre,y antes niegue sus luces el sol,
que faltemos al voto solemne
que la patria al Eterno elevó.
En su cima los Andes sostengan
la bandera o pendón bicolor,
que a los siglos anuncie el esfuerzo
que ser libres por siempre nos dio.
A su sombra vivamos tranquilos,
y al nacer por sus cumbres el sol,
renovemos el gran juramento
que rendimos al Dios de Jacob.
English Translation version
We are free! May we always be so,and may the sun renounce its light
before we break the solemn vow
that the fatherland raised to the Eternal.
On their summits may the Andes sustain
the two-coloured flag or banner,
may it proclaim to the centuries the effort
that being free forever gave us.
In its shadow may we live in peace,
and, as the sun rises over its peaks,
let us renew the great oath
that we swore to the God of Jacob.
Public domain — lyrics by José de la Torre Ugarte, music by José Bernardo Alcedo (1821).
Lyrics licensed via Public Domain.
Song Details
- Singer
- Peru
- Lyricist
- José de la Torre Ugarte
- Music
- José Bernardo Alcedo
- Genre
- National Anthem
- Released
- Sep 23, 1821
- Language
- Spanish
- Views
- 114
💭 Meaning of "Himno Nacional del Perú" Song Lyrics
The Peruvian anthem is a celebration of hard-won independence. Its ringing chorus — "Somos libres, seámoslo siempre" ("We are free, may we always be so") — vows that the sun itself would sooner lose its light than Peruvians break "the solemn vow" of freedom sworn to the Eternal.
The official sixth verse looks to the Andes to "sustain the two-coloured flag" and proclaim to the centuries the effort that won liberty, ending with a renewal of "the great oath" to the God of Jacob. It is a solemn, mountainous vision of a free nation.
🎬 Behind the song: how "Himno Nacional del Perú" was made
Shortly after Peru declared independence in 1821, the liberator José de San Martín held a public competition for a national anthem. The winning entry paired music by José Bernardo Alcedo with lyrics by José de la Torre Ugarte, and was first performed in September 1821, reportedly sung by Rosa Merino. Peruvian law later established that the official sung version consists of the chorus and the sixth stanza.
🌍 "Himno Nacional del Perú" — Cultural impact & legacy
The popular first verse, "Largo tiempo el peruano oprimido", is considered apocryphal — not written by Torre Ugarte — and Peru officially removed it from ceremonial singing in favour of the sixth verse. One of the earliest anthems in the Americas, "Somos libres" is sung at schools and state ceremonies across Peru.
📖 What is "Himno Nacional del Perú Song Lyrics" about?
The "Himno Nacional del Perú" ("Somos libres") is the national anthem of Peru, one of the oldest of the Americas' national anthems. The lyrics are by José de la Torre Ugarte and the music by José Bernardo Alcedo.
It was adopted in 1821. Both are in the public domain. The official sung version is the chorus together with the sixth verse.
⭐ Behind the song trivia
- It is also known as "Somos libres" ("We Are Free") after its opening words.
- It was chosen through a public competition held by the liberator José de San Martín in 1821.
- By law, the official sung version is the chorus plus the sixth verse, not the first.
- The popular first verse ("Largo tiempo el peruano oprimido") is considered apocryphal and was officially dropped from ceremonies.
- It was first performed in September 1821, reportedly sung by Rosa Merino.
- It is one of the oldest national anthems in the Americas.
❓ Himno Nacional del Perú — Frequently asked questions
What is the national anthem of Peru?
What does the Peruvian anthem mean?
Which verse of the Peruvian anthem is official?
Why was the first verse removed?
Who wrote the Peruvian national anthem?
How old is the Peruvian anthem?
👥 Credits
| Vocals | Peru |
|---|---|
| Lyricist | José de la Torre Ugarte |
| Music Director | José Bernardo Alcedo |
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