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Hymn of the Azores
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Wikipedia article
The "'Hymn of the Azores'" is the official regional anthem used during some ceremonies in the Portuguese autonomous region of the Azores. For official purposes, the national anthem, "A Portuguesa", is always used during government events, in sporting venues, and during other civic ceremonies.
History
The original song was composed by Joaquim Lima, a musician and director of the Philharmonic Band of Rabo de Peixe, the Filarmnica Progresso do Norte, in the 1890s, when a movement for autonomy was growing within the archipelago. It was first played by the band on 3 February 1894 and was originally titled "'Hino Popular da Autonomia dos Aores'" ("The Popular Hymn of Autonomy for the Azores").
On the same day, Antnio Tavares Torres, President of the Executive of the municipality of Ribeira Grande, accompanied by a group of friends from the Filarmnica Progresso do Norte, went to Ponta Delgada to play the hymn in public. After playing for the members of the Autonomous Electoral Commission, as it became late, they gathered at the 'Campo de So Francisco' with a large group of autonomy supporters and crossed the streets towards the Centro Autonomista, where they participated in a rally for the forthcoming general elections. During this rally, several speakers promoted the autonomic agenda, including: Caetano de Andrade, Pereira Atade, Gil Mont'Alverne de Sequeira and Duarte de Almeida.
On 14 April 1894, Gil Mont'Alverne de Sequeira, Pereira Atade and Duarte de Andrade Albuquerque were elected deputies under the Autonomist banner and celebrated their success with a march through the streets of Ponta Delgada accompanied by Philharmonic Bands playing the "Hino da Autonomia".
On 9 March 1895, the philharmonic bands also played the "Hino da Autonomia" in the municipal square of Ponta Delgada during the festival marking the promulgation of the 2 March 1895 Decree establishing limited autonomy for the Azores.
Originally, Lima's anthem had no lyrics, but as a function of political evolution, many unofficial 'regional' lyrics were written to support local autonomy. The first recognized hymn became the anthem of Partido Progressista Autonomista ("Autonomous Progressive Party"), led by Jos Maria Raposo de Amaral, in So Miguel. Its lyrics were composed by the poet Antnio Tavares Torres, a native of Rabo de Peixe and political militant of the Progressive Party.
Modern anthem
, adopted in the same Decree that instituted the HymnFollowing the legal autonomy of the Azores, the Regional Government asked Azorean poet Natlia de Oliveira Correia to compose official lyrics for the anthem. The government also adopted Tefilo Frazo's arrangement of the original melody as the official version of the anthem.
Approved by the Regional Assembly on 19 May 1979, it was promulgated and adopted on 21 October 1980 as a ceremonial anthem of the Regional Government.
The official version of the "Hymn of the Azores" was performed publicly on 27 June 1984 by students of the Colgio de So Francisco Xavier, during a ceremony that reunited the President of the Azores (Joo Bosco da Mota Amaral), members of the Regional Government, and various official attendees. It was sung by 600 children, wearing blue skirts/pants, white shirts and yellow handkerchiefs, and it was directed by professor Eduarda Cunha Atade.
The official anthem, "A Portuguesa", with which the "Hymn of the Azores" has no legal standing, is used in all governmental capacities, in sporting venues, and during other civic ceremonies.
Lyrics
{| class="wikitable"
!Portuguese original
!IPA transcription
!English translation
|- style="vertical-align:top; white-space:nowrap;"
|
Deram frutos a f e a firmeza
no esplendor de um cntico novo:
os Aores so a nossa certeza
de traar a glria de um povo.
Para a frente! Em comunho,
pela nossa autonomia.
Liberdade, justia e razo
esto acesas no alto claro
da bandeira que nos guia.
'Coro:'
Para a frente! Lutar, batalhar
pelo passado imortal.
No futuro a luz semear,
de um povo triunfal.
'II'
De um destino com brio alcanado
colheremos mais frutos e flores;
porque esse o sentido sagrado
das estrelas que coroam os Aores.
Para a frente, Aorianos!
Pela paz terra unida.
Largos voos, com ardor, firmamos,
para que mais floresam os ramos
da vitria merecida.
}}
|
|
Bore fruits, faith and strength
in the splendour of a new chant:
the Azores are our certainty
for the glory of a people.
Forward! In communion,
for our autonomy.
Freedom, justice and reason
are kindled in the high light
of the flag that guides us.
'Chorus:'
Forward! To struggle, to battle
for our immortal past.
In the future to cast the light,
of a triumphant people.
'II'
Of a destiny with dignity achieved
we shall pluck more fruits and flowers;
because that is the sacred sense
of the stars that crown the Azores.
Forward, Azoreans!
For peace united with land.
High flights, with passion, we draw,
so that may flourish the branches
of deserved victory.
|}
Notes
References
*
Category:National symbols of Portugal
Category:Portuguese-language songs
Category:Portuguese anthems
Category:1979 songs
Category:Regional songs
Category:Government of the Azores
Category:Anthems of non-sovereign states
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