Ala-arriba is an expression that means "(upwards) strength" used by the population of the Portuguese

Portugal

Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...

 city of Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim is a Portuguese city in the Norte Region and sub-region of Greater Porto, with a 2011 estimated population of 63,364. According to the 2001 census, there were 63,470 inhabitants with 42,396 living in the city proper. The urban area expanded, southwards, to Vila do Conde, and there...

. It represents the co-operation between the inhabitants and is also the motto of Póvoa de Varzim. This expression was used when the population dragged a boat to the beach, before the harbour was built.

After the harbour of Póvoa de Varzim this practice died out. Despite that the expression continued being used to name companies, and by some politicians.

March

There's also an Ala-arriba march. Lyrics by Albano Ribeiro, and music by Eduardo Correia.

note: each verse repeats twice.

Portuguese lyrics Póvoa Terra querida Como tu não há igual És ainda a mais bonita Que existe em Portugal Ala-arriba pela Póvoa Terra nossa bem amada Ala-arriba pela Póvoa Terra nossa abençoada Póvoa Terra bendita Nossa terra e nosso lar Enquanto tivermos vida Havemos de te honrar Ala-arriba pela Póvoa Terra nossa bem amada Ala-arriba pela Póvoa Terra nossa abençoada

English translation Póvoa dear Land Like you there is no other You are still the most beautiful That exists in Portugal Ala-arriba for Póvoa Our much-loved Land Ala-arriba for Póvoa Our blessed Land Póvoa hallowed Land Our Land and our home While we have life We will honour you Ala-arriba for Póvoa Our much-loved Land Ala-arriba for Póvoa Our blessed Land

External links

• Ala-arriba march in PDF
• Ala-Arriba in MP3