The National Anthem Of Mexico - The Beginnings

The story of how the National Anthem of Mexico came about is as convoluted as the story of Mexico itself

. It all started with President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, a military strategist and political leader, who was an integral part of bringing Mexico out from under European occupation. He held office several times in his political career, but it was during the last stint that he sparked a movement for Mexico to create a national identity through an anthem.

A competition was announced in 1853, by Santa Anna, for the creation of a national anthem for Mexico. The initial winner was Juan Bottesini, but only for his music. The lyrics were dismissed by the committee and they decided to launch the contest - part two. On November 12, 1853 the President offered a prize for the best patriotic poetic composition. Unfortunately the already chosen music was never released, so this created additional issues when the poetry needed to be matched to the music (which will be explained).

At that time there was a very talented writer of romantic poetry who was popular among the people. Francisco Gonzalez Bocanegra had heard of the contest, but felt writing patriotic prose came from a different place than his love poems did. Gonzalez was known to be a stubborn man, but his wealthy fiance was certain that he would win the contest. So, one evening she lured him to a bedroom in her father's home that was well away from the comings and goings of the rest of the house. When they got to the room, she locked him in and refused to let him out until suitable poetry had been written.

Coincidentally, the room where Gonzalez was incarcerated was plastered with pictures from events that were significant to Mexican history, and that may have been preplanned.. Independence, history, invasion and freedom were all portrayed in the art. And Gonzalez was certainly inspired, as just four hours later he slipped sheets of paper under the door with ten verses of a national anthem on them. After his fiance and her father had read and 'approved' the prose, he was finally let out of the bedroom. One wonders if the relationship lasted after that forced confinement.

When Gonzalez submitted his work to President Santa Anna and the committee, it was accepted unanimously. The first addition of the music, which was written by Juan Bottesini, was a bit of a problem because it didn't go with the poetry. Another contest took place and this time the winning composition was by Jaime Nuno, a Spanish-born band leader. Not registered as the national anthem until 1943, the new anthem actually gained use after September 16, 1854.

by: Robert Nickel

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