Two Spanish Star-Spangled Banners: The Untold History Of 'El Pendón Estrellado' Vs. The Controversy Of 'Nuestro Himno'

The United States National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," has a complex and often overlooked history in the Spanish language, a history that involves presidential commissions, cultural diplomacy, and explosive political controversy. As of late December 2025, the debate around singing the anthem in Spanish has resurfaced, highlighting the existence of not one, but two prominent versions: the officially commissioned but little-known "El Pendón Estrellado" and the politically charged 2006 sensation, "Nuestro Himno." Understanding these two anthems is crucial to grasping the deeper cultural and political currents within the U.S. Latino community and the nation's ongoing conversation about language and national identity.

The core of the issue lies in the difference between a faithful translation and a cultural reinterpretation. While one version was created as an act of diplomatic unity, the other was born from a moment of national protest, leading to a decades-long tension over how the anthem should—or shouldn't—be rendered for the nation's vast Spanish-speaking population. This article dives into the surprising origins and recent flashpoints of both anthems, revealing why the "Spanish Star-Spangled Banner" remains a powerful, divisive, and essential piece of American history.

1. 'El Pendón Estrellado': The Official, Forgotten History of the 1945 Translation

Most Americans are unaware that a Spanish-language version of the national anthem was officially commissioned by the U.S. government decades before any modern controversy. The story of "El Pendón Estrellado" (The Star-Spangled Banner) begins during a critical moment in global history: World War II.

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The FDR-Era Diplomacy and the Good Neighbor Policy

The creation of "El Pendón Estrellado" was a direct result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's (FDR) "Good Neighbor Policy," a diplomatic initiative aimed at strengthening ties and promoting hemispheric solidarity with Latin American nations. In 1945, the U.S. State Department’s Division of Cultural Cooperation sought to translate "The Star-Spangled Banner" into Spanish and Portuguese to be distributed to U.S. embassies across the region.

The goal was simple: to foster a sense of shared American identity and respect for U.S. culture among its southern allies. The U.S. government wanted a version that was not just a literal translation, but one that could be sung with the same meter and musicality as the original, allowing the Spanish-speaking world to truly connect with the anthem's sentiment.

Clotilde Arias: The Peruvian Composer's Legacy

The winning submission came from Clotilde Arias, a Peruvian-born composer and writer working in New York City. Arias crafted a translation that was both faithful to the original English lyrics by Francis Scott Key and musically suitable for performance. Her work, titled "El Pendón Estrellado," was approved by the State Department and sent out for use in diplomatic and cultural events. Despite its official status, the translation largely faded into obscurity in the following decades, becoming a footnote in the anthem's history—until recently.

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2. 'Nuestro Himno': The 2006 Controversy and Political Reinterpretation

The most famous, and most controversial, Spanish version of the anthem is "Nuestro Himno" (Our Anthem), which burst onto the national scene in 2006. Unlike the diplomatic effort of 1945, this version was a bold, commercial, and political statement.

A Protest Anthem for the 'Day Without Immigrants'

The song was released on April 28, 2006, just before the massive May 1st "Day Without Immigrants" protests—a series of boycotts and demonstrations advocating for immigrant rights. The producer behind the project was Adam Kidron, who openly stated that the song was intended to afford immigrants who had not yet learned English an opportunity to fully understand the anthem's message.

However, "Nuestro Himno" was not a direct translation of the original. Its lyrics were intentionally altered to reflect themes of immigration, struggle, and hope, making it a reinterpretation rather than a faithful rendering. Key phrases were changed, which critics argued shifted the focus from national pride and military valor to the immigrant experience.

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The Star-Studded Cast and Immediate Backlash

The recording featured an ensemble of prominent Latino artists and musicians, instantly giving it a high-profile platform. The list of entities involved included:

• Wyclef Jean
• Gloria Trevi
• Carlos Ponce
• Andy Andy
• Autoridad de la Sierra

The backlash was swift and intense. Critics, including many political figures, argued that the U.S. National Anthem should only be sung in English. President George W. Bush weighed in, stating that he believed the anthem should be sung in English, though he did not condemn the Spanish version outright. The controversy centered on the idea that national unity required a single, shared language for the national song, viewing the Spanish version as divisive and disrespectful to the original text and its author, Francis Scott Key.

3. The Return of 'El Pendón Estrellado' and the Modern Flashpoint

The debate over the Spanish anthem lay dormant for years, with "Nuestro Himno" remaining the most recognized version, until a recent incident brought the 1945 translation back into the spotlight. This re-emergence has been driven by a new generation of artists and cultural organizations seeking to highlight the historical legitimacy of "El Pendón Estrellado."

Nezza vs. The Dodgers: A Cultural Showdown

In a powerful modern twist, singer Nezza (Vanessa Hernández) made news when she performed "El Pendón Estrellado" at an L.A. Dodgers game. The controversy stemmed from the fact that Nezza was allegedly told by a team representative to sing the anthem in English. Nezza chose to sing the official Spanish version as a protest, specifically citing the recent increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles.

This act effectively resurrected the forgotten work of Clotilde Arias and the 1945 translation, giving it a powerful new context. Nezza later released the song as a single, with proceeds going to charity, ensuring the narrative of "El Pendón Estrellado" as a symbol of historical inclusion and modern protest would continue. The incident highlighted the ongoing tension between cultural assimilation and the celebration of Latino heritage within the U.S. national identity.

The We Are All Human Foundation and Revival Efforts

Organizations like the We Are All Human Foundation have also played a role in reviving the 1945 anthem, using its 75th anniversary to promote its use and educate the public on its history. By focusing on "El Pendón Estrellado," they are promoting a version that is historically sanctioned, a direct and faithful translation, and an embodiment of U.S. diplomatic outreach—a stark contrast to the politically polarizing "Nuestro Himno."

4. The Lasting Impact on Latino Culture and National Identity

The existence of two distinct Spanish "Star-Spangled Banners" is a microcosm of the complex relationship between the U.S. and its Spanish-speaking population. The entities involved—from the U.S. State Department and President Roosevelt to Adam Kidron and Nezza—represent different eras and different intentions, but all contribute to the same cultural dialogue. The controversy is not just about language; it is about belonging, representation, and the definition of a patriot.

The debate over whether the anthem should be a call for assimilation (English-only) or a reflection of the nation's diversity (Spanish inclusion) continues to rage. However, the re-emergence of Clotilde Arias's "El Pendón Estrellado" provides a powerful historical argument for inclusion, proving that the U.S. government itself once viewed a Spanish version as a vital tool for national and international unity. As the Latino population continues to grow, the Spanish Star-Spangled Banner will remain a potent symbol of American identity in the 21st century.