This article was translated by John R. Bopp
The Nevada Today has published an article penned by Jill Stockton explaining to the readers in that US state what bertsolarismo is.
The article explains the importance that this facet of Basque culture has, and calls it “the most impressive” of all. In Basque, she explains, which until not too long ago was mostly an oral language, the role of the bertsolariak and their creation of improvised sung poetry was a basic part of the culture.
And it’s a social and cultural tradition that has been preserved, in very good health, to our day. It’s in such good health that even today, in the 21st century, surrounded by touchscreens and new media, the national championship that is held every four years to find who is the best bertsolaria is able to get thousands to attend.
The article, which was published at the end of March, invited readers to get to know this part of Basque culture by attending a public screening of “Bertsolari”, a documentary directed by Asier Altuna. It also offers readers references to find out even more.
Nevada Today – 30/3/2017 – USA
Bertsolaritza: Basque improvised poetry; preserving the language
Can a group of eight poets using one of the oldest languages of the world gather thousands of people for listening to poetry for a whole day? Yes, this is real, and it happens every four years during the finals of the national championship of Bertsolaritza or Basque improvised poetry.
(Continue) (Automatic Translation)
Last Updated on Dec 20, 2020 by About Basque Country
