It was composed by Alfredo Keil and written by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça during the resurgent nationalist movement ignited by the 1890 British Ultimatum to Portugal concerning its African colonies.

This contributed to the unpopularity of King Carlos I and the monarchy, and it garnered support for the increasingly popular republican movement in Portugal.

[1] The night after the ultimatum was accepted, composer Alfredo Keil, at the suggestion of a group of friends that included Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and Teófilo Braga, wrote the melody for "A Portuguesa" as a patriotic protest march.

Inspired by the outrage felt by the Portuguese people, the lyricist, Henrique Lopes de Mendonça, accepted Keil's request to create words to suit his melody.

Mendonça said "A Portuguesa" was a song "in which the fatherland's wounded soul would merge with its ambitions of freedom and revival"; he hoped it would be an anthem, embraced by the people, that could express their yearning for national vindication.

This political co-option of the theme's original meaning forced both authors to disavow this vision and stress its purely non-partisan sentiments.

[2] On 31 January 1891, a republican rebellion broke out in the northern city of Porto and "A Portuguesa" was adopted by the rebels as their marching song.

Saudai o Sol que desponta Sobre um ridente porvir; Seja o eco de uma afronta O sinal do ressurgir.

[ˈko.ɾu] Heroes of the sea, noble people, Brave, immortal nation, Raise once again today The splendor of Portugal Among the mist of memory, O Homeland, one feels the voice Of your distinguished forefathers, That shall lead you onto victory!

Chorus Within Portugal, the anthem is played at both civilian and military ceremonies where the country, flag, or head of state (the President of the Republic) is honoured.