kids encyclopedia robot

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Juan Zorrilla de San Martín
JuanZorrillaDeSanMartin.jpg
Uruguayan writer
Born
Juan Zorrilla de San Martín

(1855-12-28)28 December 1855
Montevideo, Uruguay
Died 3 November 1931(1931-11-03) (aged 75)
Montevideo, Uruguay
Nationality Uruguayan
Occupation Writer, poet, ambassador
Spouse(s)
  • Elvira Blanco Sienra
  • Concepción Blanco Sienra
Children 13
Signature
Zorrilla de San Martin firma.jpg
Estatua Juan Zorrilla de San Martín
Juan Zorrilla de San Martin Sculpture in Montevideo by his son José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín
Juan Zorrilla de San Martín7
The patriarch Juan Zorrilla de San Martin and his family
Museo Zorrilla
Zorrilla Museum in Montevideo

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín (born December 28, 1855 – died November 3, 1931) was a famous Uruguayan poet and important political figure. People often call him the "National Poet of Uruguay" because his writings were so important to the country. He wrote many epic poems that told big stories.

Who Was Juan Zorrilla de San Martín?

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. He grew up to be a very talented writer, especially known for his poetry. Besides writing, he also played a big role in the government of Uruguay. He worked as a politician and even represented his country in other nations.

What Were His Famous Poems?

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín wrote several well-known poems. Two of his most famous works are Tabaré and La leyenda patria (which means "The Fatherland Legend").

  • Tabaré: This epic poem is considered the national poem for Uruguayans. It tells a long, exciting story.
  • La leyenda patria: This poem also holds a special place in Uruguay's history and culture.
  • Hymn to the Tree: He also wrote the Hymn to the Tree (Himno al Arbol). This poem became very popular and was even turned into a song in many Latin American countries.

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín's Life and Family

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín was not only a poet but also a public servant. He served as a Deputy for Montevideo from 1888 to 1891. A Deputy is like a representative who helps make laws for the country. He also worked as an Ambassador many times. An Ambassador represents their country in other nations, helping to build good relationships.

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín had a large family. He had 13 children. One of his sons, José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín, became a famous sculptor. You can see his work, including a sculpture of his father, in Montevideo.

His family continued to be involved in public life and arts. His grandson, Alejandro Zorrilla de San Martín, became a well-known Deputy, Minister, and Senator. A Minister is a high-ranking government official, and a Senator is another type of lawmaker. One of his granddaughters, China Zorrilla, became a famous actress. Another granddaughter, Guma Zorrilla, was known for designing costumes for the theater.

Honors and Legacy

Juan Zorrilla de San Martín's contributions to Uruguay are still remembered today.

  • Museum: His former home in Montevideo has been turned into a museum. This allows people to learn more about his life and work.
  • Money: He has been featured on Uruguayan money. He appeared on the 20,000 pesos banknote from 1989 to 1991. Since 1994, his image has been on the 20 pesos note. This shows how important he is to the country's history.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Juan Zorrilla de San Martín para niños

  • List of Uruguayan writers
  • Politics of Uruguay
kids search engine
Juan Zorrilla de San Martín Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.