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José María Iparraguirre
Joxe Mari Iparragirre Balerdi.jpg
Native name
José María de Iparraguirre Balerdi
Born 1820
Urretxu, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Died 1881
Itxaso
Occupation Writer, poet, bertzolari, musician
Language Spanish, Basque
Nationality Spanish

José María Iparraguirre (1820–1881) was a famous Spanish poet and musician. He wrote many songs and poems, mostly in the Basque language. He is best known for his song Gernikako Arbola, which means "the Guernica tree." This song has become a very important symbol for the Basque people.

His Life Story

José María Iparraguirre was born in a town called Urretxu, in Gipuzkoa, Spain, in 1820. He passed away in 1881 in Itxaso when he was 61 years old. He was known as a "bard," which is like a poet or singer who tells stories. He often carried his guitar and made up songs and poems on the spot. He was also a great bertsolari, a Basque artist who improvises poems and songs.

Iparraguirre lived an adventurous life. He was part of the Romantic movement, which was a time when artists focused on strong feelings, nature, and individual freedom. His works often connected to the old traditions, legends, and religion of the Basque people.

During his life, there were many changes and conflicts in Spain, including the Carlist Wars. These wars were about who should rule Spain. Also, the "fueros" were abolished. Fueros were special laws and rights that the Basque Country had for a long time. Because of his strong beliefs and his involvement in these struggles, Iparraguirre had to live in exile. This meant he lived outside Spain for many years. He traveled across Europe, visiting countries like France, Germany, Italy, England, and Switzerland. He also lived in Latin America.

In 1859, he married María Ángela Querejeta. They lived in Uruguay and had eight children together. In 1877, he returned to the Basque Country, but his family stayed in America. His most famous song, Gernikako arbola, is still loved by many today.

His Works

Guernica - Monumento a Iparraguirre
A monument to Iparraguirre in Guernica.

Here are some of José María Iparraguirre's well-known songs and poems:

  • Agur Euskalerria
  • Ameriketatik Urretxuko semeei
  • Errukarria
  • Ezkongaietan
  • Gernikako Arbola
  • Glu, glu, glu!
  • Gora Euskera
  • Kantari euskalduna
  • Nere amak baleki
  • Nere etorrera
  • Nere izarra
  • Nere maitearentzat
  • Nere ongile maiteari
  • Ume eder bat
  • Zugana manuela

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: José María Iparraguirre para niños

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