Portugal
- Language
- Portuguese
- Anthem
- A Portuguesa
- Duration
- 1:10
- Status
- The official version of "A Portuguesa," standardized in 1957, remains the national anthem of Portugal to this day.
Portugal National Anthem History
A Portuguesa
"A Portuguesa" emerged in 1890 as a patriotic protest song against the British ultimatum and the Portuguese monarchy. Following the establishment of the Portuguese Republic, it was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1911.
Portugal
A Portuguesa
History timeline
-
1890
Lyrics and music were composed as a response to the British ultimatum regarding Portuguese territorial control in Africa.
-
1910
The song was widely used during protests against the monarchy, culminating in the republican overthrow of the government.
-
1911
Approved as the national anthem, typically presenting only the first verse and chorus.
-
1956
Concerns arose regarding various melodic and instrumental interpretations of the anthem.
-
1957
A government commission established and approved an official, standardized version of "A Portuguesa."
The original chorus of "A Portuguesa" explicitly included the line "Contra os bretões marchar, marchar" (Against the British we march, we march!), directly reflecting its origins as a protest against a British ultimatum.