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Zizurkil, Gipuzkoa.  The first edition of the Written Bertso Contest Pello Mari Otaño is already underway, organized by the Hernandorena Cultural Association of Zizurkil.  The contest, recalling the years that Otaño spent in Argentina and keeping in mind that he was the first Basque language teacher in America, created a category dedicated to Basques in the Diaspora.

Pello Mari Otaño Barriola is a much-respected figure in Argentina, where he not only spread bertsolarism but also worked hard in favor of the Basque language.  Otaño was born in the Errekalde farmhouse in Zizurkil in 1857, and grew up in a bertsolari atmosphere.  He spent many years in Argentina, and passed away in Rosario, Santa Fe in 1910 of a heart attack.  According to expert, Juan Mari Lekuona, “Until the arrival of Amuritza, Otaño was perhaps the teacher who most influenced bertsolarismo in his time.”

Contest rules

The contest is divided into three categories:

1.  Youth to 18 years of age (born after 1995)

2.  Basques in the Diaspora: Basques that were born and who live outside of Euskal Herria, especially those in Argentina

3. Adults: Born in 1995 or before

Youth and Basques in the Diaspora may send as many works as they would like.  Each one of them will have a minimum of 6 verses (bertso) with a maximum of 10.  Adults can send as many works as they would like.  Each one of those must contain a minimum of 8 verses for a maximum of 12.  Both the meter and the songs are open, and up to the participants.

Before April 10

Works may be sent by email or by regular mail, to the following addresses: pedromariotano@zizurkil.net or to Hernandorena Kultur Elkartea (Pello Mari Otaño bertsopaper lehiaketa/verse contest) Iriarte etxea – Pello Mari Otaño plaza, 1 20159 - Zizurkil. Entries must be received before April 10, 2013.

Verses also need to be original and unpublished.  Entries will be identified by a pseudonym that needs to be contained in the verse.  If you are mailing your entry, the verses and the identifying pseudonym should be indicated on the first envelope with all the author’s details being included in the second: pseudonym, real name, address and phone.  Finally, both envelopes need to be enclosed in a third that will include the address.  If you are emailing your entry, you need to include two attachments with your message: your verses with the pseudonym in one and the rest of the information in the other.

Prizes

Winners in the youth and Diaspora categories will win 250 Euros, with second place winning 100 Euros.  In the adult category, first place will receive 500 Euros and second 250.

Prizes will be awarded on May 4, 2013, during a bertso afaria that will take place in Zizurkil.  Winner will have the option to sing their verses during dinner.  Prizes will be mailed to winners in the Diaspora.