Argentina - Country - National Symbols

Country - National Symbols

Country, January 01, 2008

National Symbols

Argentine National Anthem

It was approved by the National Assembly on May 11, 1813. The text was composed by Vicente López y Planes and the music by Blas Parera. It was first sung in Mariquita Sánchez de Thompson’s house. In 1900, during the Presidency of Julio Argentino Roca, it was decreed that in official festivities schools would only sing the first and last quartet and the chorus.

National Insignias

National Flag

It was created by Manuel Belgrano on February 27, 1812 and adopted as such by law on July 25, 1816. The Argentine Flag is the reflection of the patriotic sky, as one can contemplate on calm days: a light blue sky color without clouds, with the sun of freedom shining in the middle of it.

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The National Coat of Arms

It has its origins in the seal of the Sovereign General Assembly of 1813. In the center ellipse are two shaking hands that symbolize the unity of the various provinces of Argentina. The hands come together to hold a pike, which represents power and the willingness to defend the freedom that is symbolized by the Phrygian cap (or liberty cap) on the top of the pike.

The Escarapela

Among several versions, there is one that asserts that the white and light blue colours were first adopted during the British invasions (1806–1807) by the Patricios. It is also said that the Argentine Escarapela was first used by a group of ladies in Buenos Aires in an interview with Colonel Cornelio Saavedra, chief of the Patricios Regiment, on May 19, 1810.

National March

Argentine National Anthem

In 1900, a decree-law was passed which established that only the first and fourth quatrain and chorus would be sung in official celebrations, private and public schools. This was aimed at keeping a good relationship with Spain and Spanish residents in Argentina. Lyrics: Vicente López y Planes; Music: Blas Parera.

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San Lorenzo March

The Battle of San Lorenzo took place on February 3rd 1813, in the city of San Lorenzo, in Santa Fe province. This march is a tribute to this combat, in which Sergeant Cabral offered his life on the battlefield to save General San Martín. Lyrics: Carlos Javier Benielli; Music: Cayetano Alberto Silva.

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My flag

This march, dedicated to the national flag, is dedicated to all Argentinean soldiers and was sung for the first time in 1906, in Campo de Mayo. It was written by Juan Chassaing and composed by Juan Imbroisi.

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Aurora

In 1908, the national Government asked the Italean-Argentinean musician Héctor Panizza to compose an opera to be dedicated to highlight patriotic values. He based the argument on a script created together with Héctor Cipriano Quesada and Luigi Illica. In 1945 it was included by law in the group of patriotic songs.

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Hymn dedicated to “El libertador, Gral. San Martín”

The General José de San Martín is gratest hero in the history of Argentina. He is called the father of the country. Because of his fight to win South American freedom he is venerated by many South American Coutries, and he is called The Libertador. Lyrics: Segundo Argañaraz; Music: Arturo Luzzatti.