Hinmo Nacional de Cuba - La Bayamesa (Versión de 1868)

The Cuban National Anthem, 'La Bayamesa,' is a powerful and evocative piece that captures the spirit of the Cuban struggle for independence. Written in 1868, during the Ten Years' War against Spanish colonial rule, the anthem is a rallying cry for the Cuban people to rise up and fight for their freedom. The repeated exhortation to 'corred, Bayameses' (run, Bayameses) serves as a call to action, urging the citizens of Bayamo and, by extension, all Cubans, to take up arms and fight for their homeland. The anthem instills a sense of pride and duty, emphasizing that dying for one's country is a noble and glorious act.

The lyrics also highlight the contrast between living in chains and dying for freedom. The line 'En cadenas, vivir es vivir en afrenta y oprobio sumido' (In chains, living is living in shame and disgrace) underscores the indignity of living under oppressive rule. This sentiment is further reinforced by the call to listen to the sound of the clarion, a traditional signal for battle, which serves as a metaphor for awakening and mobilization. The anthem paints the Spanish colonizers as cowardly tyrants who cannot withstand the might of the Cuban people, thereby boosting the morale of the fighters and instilling a sense of inevitable victory.

The anthem's triumphant tone is evident in its celebration of Cuban victories and the downfall of Spanish power. The repeated declaration of '¡Cuba libre!' (Free Cuba) symbolizes the ultimate goal of the independence movement. The imagery of triumphant Cuban forces and defeated Spanish soldiers serves to inspire and motivate the listeners. The anthem not only commemorates past victories but also serves as a timeless reminder of the Cuban people's resilience and determination to achieve and maintain their freedom. Through its stirring lyrics and powerful imagery, 'La Bayamesa' continues to be a source of national pride and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Cuban people.