Championship History The championships organised by Bertsozale Elkartea (1986-...)

BRIEF HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The championships organised by Bertsozale Elkartea (1986-...)

Important differences in criteria concerning the organisation of the championships gave rise to serious problems between the bertsolaris and the Euskalzaindia, the Academy of Letters. The bertsolaris, supported by a group of aficionados, decided to organise the 1986 championships off their own back. This decision was the genesis of the Bertsozale Elkartea, our association.

On average, some 100 bertsolaris have taken part in these championships. Given that not all repeat their participation, the figure is a sign of very good health. The other important figure is that relating to the number of spectators. All the championships organised by the Association have been held at the indoor cycle track, the velodrome at Anoeta in the city of Donostia-San Sebastian and always filled to overflowing, indicating the level of popularity enjoyed by the championship.

Sebastián Lizaso, the 1986 champion, is a genius of ironic dialectic, of rapid and sharp thinking. Unbeatable in debate, Lizaso is the privileged heir of the historic bards, Txirrita and Pello Errota.

Jon Lopategi, 1989 champion, is a long-standing bertsolari who rose to fame during Franco's dictatorship and was, thus, persecuted. A true representative of the Bizkaian tradition formed around the Enbeita family, his bertsos have always been a combination of commitment and elegance.

Andoni Egaña, champion in 1993, 1997, 2001 and 2005, attracted to bertsolaritza by the example set by Amuriza, has been able to create a personal style which is delicate in its form, profound in its thinking, literate in its expression and ironic in its humour. He is the image to which many young bertsolaris look.

The championship organised by Bertsozale Elkartea (1986-...) Champions