María Olimpia de Obaldía facts for kids

María Olimpia de Obaldía (born September 9, 1891 – died August 14, 1985) was a famous Panamanian poet. She is known for her beautiful poems that often spoke about family and the lives of women.

Life and Work

Early Life and Education

María Olimpia de Obaldía was born in Dolega, Chiriquí, Panama. Her parents were Manuel del Rosario Miranda and Felipa Rovira. She went to school at the Escuela Normal de Institutoras in Panama City. In 1913, she finished her studies there. After that, she worked as a primary school teacher in her hometown. She taught until 1918, when she married Don José de Obaldía.

A Recognized Poet

María Olimpia de Obaldía published her first book of poems, called Orquídeas (Orchids), in 1926. Just four years later, in 1930, the National Institute of Panama gave her a special title: "Maria Olimpia of Panama."

She continued to achieve great things. In 1951, she became the first woman to join the Panamanian Language Academy. This was a very important step for women writers in Panama. She received many honors for her work. In 1976, she was made a Commander of the Panamanian Order of Vasco Núñez de Balboa. This is a high award given by the Panamanian government. In 1983, she was also given the Orden de Belisario Porras. In the same year, she received a special award from John Paul II, called the Augusta Cruz Insigne Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice.

Her Poetic Themes

María Olimpia de Obaldía's poems often focused on themes like being a mother and the strong love for family. One of her most famous poems is called "Ñatore May". This poem tells about the struggles and suffering of women from the Ngöbe Buglé people. The Ngöbe Buglé are an indigenous group of people living in Panama.

Her Books

Here are some of the poetry books María Olimpia de Obaldía published:

• Orquídeas (Panamá, Imprenta Nacional, 1926)
• Breviario Lírico (Panamá, Imprenta Nacional, 1930)
• Parnaso Infantil (Panamá, Ediciones del Departamento de Cultura, 1948)
• Visiones eternas (Panamá, 1961)
• Obra Poética Completa (Club Kiwanis de Panamá with the collaboration of Instituto Nacional de Cultura, 1976)

See also

In Spanish: María Olimpia de Obaldía para niños