Deeply tied to the reigning Portuguese monarch, “Hymno Patriótico” was considered the country’s first national anthem. Offered to the Prince-Regent D. João and first performed for the Prince in 1809, the anthem was inspired by the cantata “La Speranza o sia l’Augurio Felice”. The lyrics changed several times, altered by contemporary events, until settling into a more or less permanent form in 1821. After D. Pedro of Bragança became king in 1822 and provided a new constitution, the song “Hino da Carta Constitucional” became more commonly used as the anthem, and the latter was officially decreed as such in 1834.
Special thanks to: Frederico Muñoz for some of this information, as well as the music file and lyrics.