Portugal’s national anthem is titled “A Portuguesa.”
The song was written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça, with music by Alfredo Keil. It was created in 1890 in response to the British Ultimatum, which demanded that Portugal withdraw from territory in southern Africa. The ultimatum caused widespread anger and strengthened republican opposition to the monarchy.
“A Portuguesa” was first performed publicly in 1890 and quickly became associated with Portuguese republicanism. After the monarchy was overthrown in 1910, the new republic adopted it as the national anthem in 1911.
The official version is shorter than the original song. Its refrain calls on Portugal to rise against the “English” references found in the first version; those references were changed after diplomatic relations improved. The anthem is distinct from Portugal’s many traditional fado songs, which are culturally important but do not have official national status.