Who wrote the lyrics of Brazil’s national anthem, “Hino Nacional Brasileiro”?

Joaquim Osório Duque-Estrada wrote the lyrics of Brazil’s national anthem, “Hino Nacional Brasileiro.” He produced the version of the words that won a 1909 competition and became official in 1922, for the centenary of Brazil’s independence.

The melody was composed earlier by Francisco Manuel da Silva. It was first associated with Brazil’s independence from Portugal in 1822 and was later adapted with different lyrics during the country’s imperial and republican periods. This long history means the anthem’s music predates the final official words by many decades.

The Portuguese lyrics use formal, poetic language and references to Brazil’s natural landscape, independence, and national identity. Brazil normally performs the first part, while the anthem has a second part that may also be sung on ceremonial occasions. Duque-Estrada is therefore the lyricist, while da Silva is the composer—a distinction often blurred in short summaries.