Ser Benfiquista
Song
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Ser Benfiquista" (Portuguese pronunciation: [seɾ βɐ̃jfiˈkiʃtɐ]; English: "Being a Benfiquista") is the official anthem of Portuguese sports club S.L. Benfica.
| "Ser Benfiquista" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Language | Portuguese |
| English title | "Being a Benfiquista" |
| Written | 1953 |
| Songwriter | Manuel Paulino Gomes Júnior |
The song acknowledges Benfica's humble beginnings and shows that being a benfiquista (a supporter of Benfica) is more than being a football fan. It is sung before every home match and sometimes during the match.[1] It was written by Manuel Paulino Gomes Júnior and first sung on 16 April 1953 by tenor Luís Piçarra in the presence of 6000 benfiquistas at a sarau in Benfica's old arena Pavilhão dos Desportos, with the goal of raising money to build the original Estádio da Luz.[1][2]
The original anthem, composed by Félix Bermudes in 1929, was called "Avante Benfica" ("Onward Benfica"). It was censored by the Estado Novo[3] in 1942 because of the political connotation of the word avante,[4] which was considered an affront to the establishment.[5]