FC Barcelona seeks words for 125th anniversary anthem

Barça is revving the engines for the celebrations of a century and a quarter of existence with the "125th Anniversary Song Contest" to write the words for the anthem that will then become the official anthem for this milestone event.

The competition is open to everyone, the idea being to write lyrics that reflect what Barça stands for, its idiosyncrasy and its values, and how it is an icon of Catalonia around the world.

Entries close on June 30

Entries must be original compositions written in the Catalan language, and the authors can be anonymous if they prefer. The entry process will close with the choice of the three finalists, as selected by a jury, each of whom will receive 6,000 euros. 

Entries can be sent to the club from Thursday 30 May to Sunday 30 June by means of the following form.

Vote for winner

Each of the three winning entries will then be set to music, as composed, produced and performed by artists chosen by the club itself. Once the three pieces have been completed, it will be up to the fans to decide which becomes the official anthem of the 125th anniversary by means of an online poll.

Long tradition

Anniversary anthems are nothing new at all at the club. In fact, the first was written for the 50th anniversary in 1949, titled ‘Barcelona, sempre amunt!’, with lyrics by Esteve Calzada and music by Joan Dotras. The 75th anniversary in 1974 brought ‘Cant del Barça’, the same tune that has gone on to become the club's official anthem that is so known and loved today, with words penned by Josep Maria Espinàs and Jaume Picas, and music by Manuel Valls. And in 1999, there was a special ‘Cant del Centenari with lyrics by Ramon Solsona and music composed by Antoni Ros Marbà.