26 Important women in Spanish history. We tell you!
Do you know what day Wednesday is?
El March 8 is celebrated on International Women's Day.
A day dedicated to all women on the planet. This celebration has been held since 1910 as a way of extolling women and fighting for their rights in society.
En Hispania, escuela de español, we support the Women's Day and that is why we have created this very special article.
Let's talk about 26 important women in the history of Spain who have achieved great feats.
Do you want to know who these women are? We present them to you!
Dew Sworn
Spain has enjoyed great artists in the world of music.
Dew Sworn is another of the women who have made history in our country.
The motives? They are mainly the following:
- Its shocking stage presence.
- Su powerful voice.
- His ability to interpret a wide range of musical genres, from flamenco even the copla, the bolero and the pop.
His artistic career was very popular in Spain and in other American countries, becoming a cultural icon and a Spanish music symbol.
Did you know that it was consecrated with the premior for Best Female Voice of the XNUMXth Century in New York City in the year 2000? Incredible!
Some of your most famous songs whether they are Like a wave, at the starting point o How I love you.
We encourage you to listen to them, surely they will not leave you indifferent. 😉
Lola Flores
Lola Flores is another of the important spanish women in the world of music.
We are talking about one of the most emblematic figures of the Flemish in Spain, both as a singer and a dancer.
Lola revolutionized the art world and popular culture internationally.
As it did? She knew how to perfectly combine her talent for dancing and singing with her sense of humor and her charismatic personality.
Some of your most iconic songs whether they are at your side, alms of love o Oh pity, pity, pity.
Lola Flores was one of the Pioneering women in Spain exceeding spread flamenco and Spanish culture throughout the world.
For all this, we consider that Lola Flores is one of the Spanish historical women.
Clara Campoamor
Clara Campoamor was one of the most famous Spanish women who fought for equality in the XNUMXth century in Spain.
Lawyer and politician Spanish, Clara Campoamor made some crucial advances in the women's rights in Spain during the Second Republic (1931-1936):
- The right to vote for women
- Political participation of women on an equal footing with men thanks to the 1931 Constitution in which Campoamor helped create.
- Equality before the law between men and women.
- Right to education, right to work and right to property for women.
For all these achievements, Clara Campoamor is considered one of the feminist women in Spanish history .
Charly Morlock / Shutterstock.com
Concha Velasco
If we talk about film and television, without a doubt a important woman in the history of Spain es Concha Velasco.
Actress, television presenter and dancer, Concha Velasco has participated in more than 50 animated cartoon movies of all possible genres.
Some of them are great successes of Spanish cinema such as, The executioner (1963) The National Shotgun (1978) o The Man with the Wallet (1987)
Her talent has led her to win many premios both in film and on television.
In addition, Concha Velasco has always been a defender of women's rights and has promoted gender equality in Spain.
At 83 years old, Concha Velasco continues to be one of the relevant women in the history of Spain most admired.
Arancha Sánchez Vicario
How's your tennis backhand going? We assure you that the Arancha Sánchez Vicario It goes very well.
She is considered one of the best spanish tennis players of all time.
Their the best logres he got them in the 1980s and 1990s.
She was the winner of four Grand Slam titles, won the silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and was the three-time Federation Cup champion.
Also, it was number 1 in the world ranking in 1996.
Now you know that Rafa Nadal is not our only exceptional tennis player. 😉
Joan the Crazy
The poor Juana I of Castile She is known by her unfortunate nickname "Juana la Loca".
However, this Queen of Castile and Leon He achieved great milestones in the history of Spain in his reign from 1479 until his death in 1555.
Do you want to know these milestones?
The first and most important was consolidate royal power in Castilla y León after a period of many conflicts and political and economic instability.
Likewise, he managed to expand the territories of Castilla y León and strengthened the country.
The economy also greatly improved with the creation of new trade routes and expansion of the textile industry.
On the other hand, did you know that Juana was a culture lover?
He built museums and other cultural buildings and patronized many artists and writers.
As you can see, it's a important woman in the history of Spain What did you get political, economic and cultural advances.
But unfortunately, most people only know her by her derogatory nickname: Juana "la loca".
What is this nickname for?
Apparently, his behavior was often unstable and he had a rather turbulent love life.
But hey, aren't there other illustrious characters who had a problematic way of being?
That doesn't mean that Juana I of Castile was one of the great spanish women.
Maria Zambrano
Did you think we were not going to include writers famous spanish in this article?
Of course! Here goes the first one.
Maria Zambrano (1904 – 1991) was a philosopher and writer from Malaga.
It is recognized as one of the most relevant female philosophers of the history of our country for his contributions to the philosophy of liberty and the human rights.
His works mainly deal with freedom, justice, democracy, poetry and culture.
During the Franco dictatorship he had to exile to France and later to Mexico, where she continued her career as a writer and essayist.
Unfortunately, as was the case with most important women of the 20th century Spanish, all the work of María Zambrano did not receive deserved recognition until the last decades of the last century.
Are you interested in knowing the mentality of this philosopher?
Some of his most famous essays we have:
- The raison d'être of poetry (1943)
Talk about the relationship between poetry and philosophy.
- Delirium and fate of freedom in history (1946)
It addresses the nature of freedom and its evolution throughout history.
- The passion and the exception (1957)
Analyze how passion and reason build human identity.
ToskanaINC / Shutterstock.com
Montserrat Caballé
Montserrat Caballé is another of the important Spanish women who became a musical legend.
It is considered one of the best sopranos in history.
He was born in Barcelona in 1933 and passed away in 2018.
Caballe began to sing in operas at an early age and quickly became one of the most in-demand singers of her time.
This opera singer is known for her powerful and emotional voice, which allowed her to sing a wide range of roles in operas by Mozart, Verdi and Puccini, among others.
In addition, Caballé is also known for her ability to merge the Bel Canto italianor with the Spanish style, creating a unique and distinctive style.
Throughout her career, Montserrat Caballé appeared on the stages of the world's leading opera houses.
His interpretation of the opera Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti is considered one of the most great performances ever.
Margaret Salas
The time has come to talk about Important Spanish women scientists.
Margaret Salas (1938 – 2019) is our most famous biologist and biochemist. Because?
Among his most important contributions are his discoveries about DNA.
Margarita was the first person to demonstrate the existence of DNA replication and transcription enzymes.
He also conducted important research on the structure and function of proteins.
For these reasons, Margarita Salas has reputation in the scientific community worldwide and has received multiple premios and honors Long live Marguerite! 🙌🏻
Isabel the Catholic
If we talk about famous women in history, Isabel I of Castilla is one of the most relevant, not only in Spain, but also Worldwide.
Known as Isabel the Catholic, this woman reigned from 1476 to 1504.
His greatest contribution was unification country with the union of the kingdom of Castile with the kingdom of Aragon, which until then had been divided.
Isabella the Catholic and Ferdinand of Aragon became the Catholic kings and created a strong and Christian unified stateianor in Spain.
Both promoted territorial expansion and financed the Christopher Columbus expedition to America.
Elizabeth I also did political and economic reforms important in Spain and supported the Church to strengthen its power in the country and in the American colonies.
Did you know all this information? What kind of History we have given you in a moment! 😁
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Rosalia
Rosalía is one of the important current Spanish women most famous.
Rosalia is a singer and composer Spanish that has caused a stir in the world of music in recent years.
With his mix of traditional flamenco y modern pop music, Rosalía has managed to create a unique style that has captivated the public.
Some call it "The queen of modern flamenco».
She is a versatile artist who is not afraid to experiment with new sounds and musical styles, generating totally innovative songs.
Some of his most successful songs are badly (2018) o mommy (2022).
In addition to her music, Rosalía has also managed to create a unique style y dared.
With her exotic costumes and her presence on social media, the young Catalan has earned millions of fans around the world.
Without a doubt, one of the most important women in Spain today.
Mariana Pineda
Mariana Pineda (1804 – 1831) was a Spanish heroine of the XNUMXth century, known for her fight for freedom and social justice.
became a resistance symbol against the absolutist regime of Fernando VII.
He was faithful to his revolutionary ideals until the end of her life, when the absolutist regime shot her.
His bravery and heroic sacrifice have been recalled many times in poetry, music and theater, making his life even more epic.
Unfortunately, today very few people know Marianto Pineda. It is one of the great forgotten women of Spanish history.
We hope that our small dedication will serve to bring her back to memory.
Sara Montiel
It can be singer and actress at the same time? Sara Montiel did it, and wherever she went, she was devastating.
Sara Montiel (1928-2013) was one of the Spanish women who made history both in music and in the cinema thanks to her charisma and enormous beauty.
Montiel began his career in Spanish cinema in the 50 years and quickly became a international star.
Some most notable films that he starred in are:
- Bamboo (1948)
This was the movie that brought her to stardom.
- Love of my loves (1954)
In this film, Sara Montiel gives one of the best performances in her entire career as an actress.
- tropical path (1958)
Considered one of the best Spanish films of all time.
Montiel also reaped musical hits national and international in his musical career.
Everything this woman touched turned to gold!
Shell Piquer
We return to the world of music.
Shell Piquer (1906 – 1990) was another great Spanish singer and actressespecially during the first half of the XNUMXth century.
His favorite style was flamenco and copla. With his unique voice and mastery of singing popular songs, he helped popularize traditional Spanish culture and music for our country and abroad.
In addition, he also had leading roles in movies and plays, which helped further expand his reputation.
KarSol / Shutterstock.com
Rosalia de Castro
Rosalia de Castro (1837-1885) was a Galician poet, writer and activist.
This famous writer is known for her contribution to the preservation of the Galician language at a time when he was about to disappear.
Thanks to your books too. made Galician culture visible and their traditions, revaluing them again.
On the other hand, Rosalía de Castro also fought for women's rights.
We can see themes such as the oppression of women and gender inequality in works such as Galician songs, Fucks Novas o Rappaccini's daughter.
As you can see, already in the XNUMXth century there were important women in Spanish literature that dealt with feminism.
Emilia Pardo Bazán
Emilia Pardo Bazán (1851 – 1929) was one of the Important Spanish women in history traditional multifaceted.
Emilia was a countess, novelist, journalist, playwright, poet, translator, editor, essayist, and professor. Almost nothing! 👏🏻
His works are marked by a strong feminist ideology who defended the women's liberation in all areas: work, studies, leisure, sexuality...
If you are interested in learning about some of their most famous works, you can start with The pazos de Ulloa (1886), The Tribune (1882) o The angular stone (1891).
Dolores Ibárruri (The passion flower)
Dolores Ibarruri (1895 – 1989), also known as «The Passionflower», Is one of the most important women in the history of Spain.
It was a politician and speaker during the Spanish Civil War and the postwar
He had an important role in the Partido Comunista de Espana and in the fight against fascism.
Gave passionate speeches and inspirers who convinced people to unite against the Francoists.
Ibárruri also worked a lot for women's rights and to improve their situation in Spanish society.
He also had his facet of writer. in his book heroic spain His speeches and writings during the Civil War are collected.
If you want to know his feelings more thoroughly you can read poems, or his biographical book Life and struggles of Dolores Ibárruri.
Federica Montseny
Federica Montseny (1905 – 1994) is one of the famous women in the history of Spain for several reasons.
She became the first woman to hold a position of minister in Spain and throughout the world, during the Second Republic in 1936. She was the Minister of Health and Social Assistance.
He participated in the Spanish anarchist movement and was a staunch defender of women's rights and individual freedom.
You can see these ideas in some of his creative writingsuch as, anarchism and women o For Liberty.
Maruja Mallo
hasn't there been important women in Spain whose profession was painting?
Well of course yes! For example, we have Maruja Mallo.
Maruja Mallo (1902 – 1995) was a painter of the surrealist genre.
If you know Dalí's work, surely you know what it is like the surrealism pictorial.
She was one of the exponents of the Generation of the 27.
The most avant-garde Spanish artists of the first half of the last century belonged to this generation.
Some of the most famous paintings from Maruja are The verbena y den of fossils.
They are very different from each other. The first is colorful and very overloaded. The second, on the other hand, is dull and disturbing.
Are you curious to know more works by Maruja Mallo?
You can find most of his works in the Reina Sofía Museum of Madrid.
Ana Botin
Ana Botin it's ours Spanish businesswoman and banker most famous today. It ranks 15th on the top 100 list. most powerful women in the world. 😯
It is the President of Banco Santander, one of the largest banks in Europe. His leadership and financial vision have been key to the success of this bank.
Botín is also known for promoting the financial inclusion. In other words, expanding access to financial services to people who previously did not have the opportunity to do so.
she follows a responsible business model with the community, trying to promote equality and combat poverty.
In addition, she is also an art lover and patronizes many museums and art galleries.
Entrepreneurs like this one should be around! 👍🏻
Carmen de Burgos
Carmen de Burgos (1867 – 1932) is considered one of the first feminists in Spain.
Work as writer and journalist. he wrote about totally subversive themes for the time as gender equality, sexual liberation and women's education.
Some of your most outstanding books that address these issues are The women's platform, The Tell-Tale Heart o Mrs. Frida.
Carmen de Burgos is one of the women precursors of feminism in Spain. Her legacy continues to inspire women's rights advocates in our country.
Concepcion Arenal
Concepcion Arenal (1820 – 1893) was another of the historical women precursors of feminism in Spain.
In addition to claiming equality between women and men, he also defended the free access to education and that women could exercise the professions that were then prohibited.
Concepción is also known as the precursor of the Social Work .
This Spanish writer was framed in the genre of literary realism.
Some of his most famous works are:
- The woman of the future.
- The riddle of freedom.
- The passion for the good.
- The woman of the future.
Catherine of Erauso
When we think of Spanish military heroes, almost everyone thinks of El Cid.
But you know what? We also have our female heroine!
Catherine of Erauso (1592 – 1650) was a soldier who fought in the wars of South America.
Not only did she fight, but she was also a great explorer which toured all of South America and Europe.
Do you know that before becoming a soldier, Catalina was a nun? How did she make it to join the army and travel the world?
In those years only men could do it. But Catherine wanted with all her might travel and adventure.
To achieve this, she had to disguise herself as a man, only then could she break the impositions that society placed on her for being a woman.
There is no doubt that the life of Catalina de Erauso is a good example of fight for freedom and to achieve your dreams, despite the obstacles that society puts you.
Her legacy lives on to this day as one of the great Spanish heroines and continues to inspire us.
Almudena Grandes
Almudena Grandes (1960 – 2021) was one of the journalists and writers famous spanish.
Almudena used to write about social and political issues always in a satirical way and with an acid sense of humor.
worked in many media in Spain and also published books.
Some of the books by Almudena Grandes traditional acclaimed are:
- The girls of the Eiffel Tower
- The ages of Lulu
- The reader of Julio Verne
Both his novels and his journalistic work have always been valued positively due to his critical look at politics and society and for his Defense of human rights.
For all this, Almudena Grandes deserves to be on the podium of the famous women in the history of Spain.
Christchurchian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com
Alexia putellas
In this list of famous spanish characters there is also a place for the world of sports. Do you like football?
Alexia Putellas is a spanish soccer player who plays as a midfielder for FC Barcelona Femenino and for the Spanish women's soccer team.
Born in 1995 in Castellón de la Plana, Putellas started playing soccer at an early age and quickly became one of the highest quality players of her generation.
Alexia stands out for her ability to control the game in midfield and for his vision of the game.
In addition, this young soccer player is also a great scorer and his physical wonder allows him to have a very offensive style in matches.
He has participated in important international tournaments with the Spanish women's soccer team, such as the UEFA Nations League or the UEFA European Championship.
In 2019, Putellas helped the Spanish team to their first UEFA European Championship victory.
To this day, Alexia is one of the Most Promising Spanish Soccer Players. For this reason, we consider that it is one of the outstanding contemporary women.
Elena Maseras
Elena Maseras (1853 – 1905) is a code name of the women in Spanish science.
she was the first Spanish woman who was able to enroll in the university. entered the University of Barcelona to study medicine.
In Spain and almost all of Europe, women could not access qualified studies until barely a century ago.
At first she couldn't attend class, only study in private. In 1875 she was admitted to the classroom, but she could not sit with her fellow men. She had her seat on a dais next to the teacher.
Despite getting very good grades, had many obstacles to obtain his medical degree. He couldn't have it until 1882, four years after graduating.
Already with his title to practice medicine, Elena I continued to have bureaucratic problems to work for the simple fact of being a woman.
Finally he chose to dedicate himself to teaching.
She was key to the future integration of women in university access.
In 1888, women were admitted to the university for the first time, but only as students.ianprivate teas, separated from their peers.
It was not until 1910 when women could finally study on equal terms with men at the university and freely exercise the profession for which they had been trained.
and with Elena Maseras we finish this list of the 26 most important Spanish women.
We have talked about important women of the 21st century spanish and also from past centuries.
All of them have contributed very valuable things to our medical societyianEnjoy his music, his books, his scientific discoveries, his movies or his political ideas.
Did you like the article? In addition, it will have served you learn about the history of Spain recent and oldest Super interesting!
Do you want to learn more about our culture and our language?
En Hispania, escuela de español we offer face-to-face Spanish courses y online Spanish courses in which you will learn the Spanish language in a short time thanks to our eminently practical approach.
Which of the women we have seen in the article do you find most inspiring?
With which do you feel more identification?
Tell us and we'll talk. 😉
Article written by Carlos Martínez for Hispania, escuela de español.
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