"Els Segadors" (The Reapers) is the anthem of Catalonia. It has been the anthem of the Catalan people since the late 19th century.
The modern lyrics are by Emili Guanyavents and were written in 1899; the music was by Francesc Alió and was written in 1892, based on an old popular song.
The song is based on the events of 1639 and 1640, when the Catalans fought for independence against King Philip IV of Spain and his favourite, Olivares - the Guerra dels Segadors or Reapers' War.
The Catalan government made "Els Segadors" its national anthem in 1993.
The lyrics are:
| Catalunya triomfant, tornarà a ser rica i plena. Endarrera aquesta gent tan ufana i tan superba.
| Catalonia triumphant Will once again be rich and bountiful, Drive them back, these people So conceited and so arrogant.
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| Bon colp de falç, Bon colp de falç, Defensors de la terra! Bon colp de falç! | A good blow with the sickle, A good blow with the sickle, Defenders of the land! A good blow with the sickle!
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Ara és hora, segadors. Ara és hora d'estar alerta. Per quan vingui un altre juny esmolem ben bé les eines.
| Now is the time, reapers, Now is the time to be alert. For when another June comes, Let us sharpen our tools well.
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| Bon colp de falç, Bon colp de falç, Defensors de la terra! Bon colp de falç! | A good blow with the sickle, A good blow with the sickle, Defenders of the land! A good blow with the sickle!
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| Que tremoli l'enemic en veient la nostra ensenya. Com fem caure espigues d'or, quan convé seguem cadenes.
| Let the enemy tremble To see our banner. Just as we cut down stalks of wheat, When the time is right, chains will follow.
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| Bon colp de falç, Bon colp de falç, Defensors de la terra! Bon colp de falç! | A good blow with the sickle, A good blow with the sickle, Defenders of the land! A good blow with the sickle! |