The National Anthem of Honduras was written by the poet Augusto C. Coello, with music by maestro Carlos Hartling. In 1904, then-President General Manuel Bonilla commissioned the formal search for a national anthem for Honduras. The anthem was made official in 1915, under the government of Alberto Membreño.
Questions and Answers About the National Anthem of Honduras
Who wrote the lyrics of the National Anthem of Honduras?
The poet Augusto C. Coello, born in Tegucigalpa.
Who composed the music of the National Anthem of Honduras?
Maestro Carlos Hartling, born in Germany.
Who wrote the argument and explanation of the National Anthem?
Gualberto Cantarero Palacios.
Which president officially established our National Anthem?
Dr. Alberto Membreño, on November 13, 1915, through Decree No. 42.
What is the musical tempo of the chorus called?
Allegro, a fast tempo that gives the chorus a joyful, spirited, and martial character.
What is the musical tempo of the verses called?
Andante, a moderate, walking-pace tempo that gives the stanzas a calmer, more narrative character.
What does the National Anthem tell us?
In chronological order, it tells the history of Honduras: the pre-Columbian era, the discovery, the conquest, the colonial period, and independence from Spain.
What does our National Anthem symbolize?
It symbolizes the soul of the homeland and expresses the enthusiasm and love of Hondurans for their country.
How does our anthem compare with other Central American anthems?
It is mostly poetic and narrative. The final stanza calls on citizens to defend the homeland. It is shorter than the anthems of Guatemala and El Salvador.
What difficulties does the music of our National Anthem present?
Some musicians point out that the notes are hard for male voices to reach, while female voices reach them more easily.
Where does the word “anthem” come from, and what does it mean?
The Spanish word himno comes from the Latin hymnus, which in turn comes from the Greek hýmnos: a song of praise.
Where does the true merit of anthems lie?
In the way they powerfully express the civic or religious virtues of the peoples who create them.
Why is our anthem considered original?
From a literary standpoint, it narrates the different stages of the nation’s history. From a musical standpoint, it does not resemble, in part or in whole, the anthems of other countries.
What criticisms have been made of the anthem’s music?
Some critics have called it unsuitable, with an irregular rhythm and lacking the martial character that, in their view, should express the nation’s attributes.
References
References
- History of the National Anthem of Honduras
- Lyrics and Music of the National Anthem of Honduras (Video)
- Explanation of the National Anthem of Honduras
- November 13: National Anthem Day of Honduras
- Biography of Augusto C. Coello
- Biography of Carlos Hartling
Last verified: November 11, 2026.
