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One of the most characteristic expressions of Basque culture is undoubtedly the impromptu or improvised singing of verses - bertsolarismo.

Two bertsolaris Andoni Egaña and Sustrai Colina (photo : S.Dabadie)

The singer or bertsolari has to improvise verses in the Basque language, following a pre-determined melody, respecting rhyme and working to a set topic.

This tradition – on the point of disappearing in a number of places – is highly popular and well-regarded in the Basque Country, particularly so in specific situations such as rest house, cider-houses and generally places where locals meet. Amongst Basques, the fame of the great bertsolaris is without match. Some bertsolari names are remembered even after they have long gone.

At the beginning of the XX century bertsolarismo championships began to be organised and, at the end of the same century, bertsolari schools were set up.

The new generation of young bertsolaris has raised this art form to heretofore unimaginable levels of quality and with great success.

For further information visit our new web site : www.bertsulari.com