National Anthem Costa Rica

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

Costa Rica broke the chains
that bound her to foreign power;
she let loose her own flag to the wind
and founded the empire of law.

Liberty proclaimed enthusiastically,
Liberty in order and good;
she girded the garland of progress
on her virgin and innocent temple!

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

The ambition of a suspicious foreigner
tried to submit her to the yoke,
outraged, the peoples rose up,
and they cried: “Back off, invader!”

And Walker’s enraged troops
listened, tempering their voices,
for over them, the heroic battles,
Costa Rica nailed her banner.

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

For long years thereupon heaven
wanted to give us happiness and peace
and in its benign shadow, progress
founded national wealth.

Constant and active work
gave the people, generous, bread
and Guardia was, the circumscribed duty,
Of the right of the people, the guardian.

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

The greed of jealous brothers
agitated in constant restlessness:
let us not consciously live
in peace, progress and light;

And they challenge us to a fratricidal fight
preparing the traitorous arquebus;
Come, then, so that injustice never
will overcome our noble attitude!

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

The cannon that in San Juan and San Jorge
once made the dust bite
the intruder bandit from the North,
its blast prepares again;

If the bloodthirsty clarion resounds,
Costa Rica, with noble pride,
‘War, war’ will say its horns,
“Citizens, death or victory!”

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

And from the sea and the meadow and the forest,
From the desert and settlement, the voice
Has been heard by the distant horizon
Repeating: “Never! Invader!”

“Our soil does not mark the plant
of a fierce cowardly alliance,
As long as the holy spark shines,
in the people, of warlike ardour”

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.

As long as Guardia, the hardened soldier,
Outlines the duty of the people to the people,
even if the fatherland finds itself in danger,
It can keep its honour and his faith;

Hail oh Guardia, brave and patriotic!
Hail, oh Guardia, of heroic pride!
Hail, oh Guardia, your honour and your glories
Are the sustenance of a free people.

Citizens, the sun of the free
has risen radiantly to the zenith:
its splendour gives us the breath
to win for the Fatherland or die.