HISTORY

   The initial roots of bersolarismo are a mystery. This type of oral literature is not reflected in written documentation. The slogan for the January 29th 2000 'Bertso Eguna' (Day of the Berso), organised by the association of berso enthusiasts Bertsozale Elkartea, was "455. Jalgi hadi plazara". This slogan was chosen to celebrate 455th anniversary of the first book written in Euskara in 1545, "Lingua vasconun primitiae" by Bernard Etxepare. One of the poems in the book includes the words "hadi hado plazara', which literally means 'come to the town square'.

   Even so, some bersos date back to prehistoric times, such as those improvised by the sister of Milia of Lastur on the occasion of her death. These bersos passed down from generation to generation until folklorists eventually put them down in writing for everyone to enjoy today.

   The history of improvisational bersolarismo goes back to around 1800, to the time of Beñat Mardo and Fernando "Amezketarra". These bersolaris had no formal training but were extremely fond of challenges. Between the two Carlist Wars (1839-1876) the so-called Bertso paperak (berso folios) made their appearance, together with more elaborated language and new melodies. Among other bersolaris of this period were Xenpelar, Bilintx, Iparragirre and Etxahun.
Between 1876 and the Spanish Civil War, these berso folios became quite important, accompanied by organised poetry competitions and the inception of the theoretical study of bersolarismo (M. Lekuona).

   Between 1876 and the Spanish Civil War, these berso folios became quite important, accompanied by organised poetry competitions and the inception of the theoretical study of bersolarismo (M. Lekuona).

   Between 1935 and 1968 improvisational bersolarismo became consolidated. The first championships were set up and bersos were given a place in the media. Well-known bersolaris of this period include Basarri, Uztapide, Xalbador and Lasarte.

    In the period from 1968 to 1977, bersos were a reflection of political and social opposition. Bersolaris dedicated a large part of their work to the experiences of the society during those conflictive years. Bersos became more sophisticated and carried more meaningful messages. Lopategi, Azpillaga, Lazkao-txiki, Lazkano and Lizaso were the best known bersolaris of this period.