“En esta casa vivió de 1935 a 1961 Jacinto Miquelarena escritor y maestro de periodistas” reads the Jacinto Miquelarena Plaque. These words etched in stone tell only a small part of his vibrant life. This plaque marks the Madrid residence where this remarkable journalist and writer spent many years. Let me paint you a picture of the man behind the words.
Jacinto Miquelarena a Bilbao native was a multifaceted figure. His early career blossomed in France and England honing his skills in sports journalism and humorous chronicles. He later founded and directed the Bilbao newspapers Norte Deportivo and Excelsior Spain’s first newspaper solely dedicated to sports. His talent led him to Madrid’s ABC newspaper in 1932 where he not only contributed but also directed the sports magazine Campeón.
Miquelarena wasn’t confined to sports reporting. His literary pursuits were equally impressive. He penned travelogues like El gusto de Holanda a chronicle of his time at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and Pero ellos no tienen bananas a humorous account of his New York adventures. He also authored essays on sports numerous humorous short stories and the comedic novel Don Adolfo el libertino.
The Spanish Civil War profoundly impacted his life. He sought refuge in the Argentinian embassy in Madrid an experience he later detailed in two books under the pseudonym “El Fugitivo” Cómo fui ejecutado en Madrid and El otro mundo. He ultimately escaped to Argentina aboard the destroyer Tucumán.
He was a prominent member of the Falange Española literary circle. In Madrid he participated in the literary gathering “La Ballena Alegre” at the Café Lyon with figures like José Antonio Primo de Rivera. He even contributed two lines to the Falange’s anthem Cara al sol. During the war he directed Radio Nacional de España from Salamanca. He won the prestigious Mariano de Cavia award in 1938 a testament to his journalistic prowess.
Post-war he worked as a correspondent for ABC EFE and Clarín covering World War II from locations including Buenos Aires Berlin London and Paris. His insightful chronicles were known for their intelligent humor and refined style. A close friend of Enrique Jardiel Poncela and Miguel Mihura he collaborated with Mihura on comedies and humor magazines. His translation of Rudyard Kipling’s If is still celebrated for its literary merit.
The phrase “¡Qué país, Miquelarena!” coined by his friend Pedro Mourlane Michelena perfectly captures the essence of his life a blend of wit tragedy and unwavering talent. His career was rich and varied reflecting a complex and intriguing personality. The plaque serves as a quiet tribute to this multifaceted figure. His life a mix of laughter and sorrow is forever intertwined with the history of Spain. His final years were marked by tragedy. While working as a correspondent for ABC in Paris a cancer diagnosis and professional setbacks led to his tragic suicide in 1962. He remains a fascinating figure whose story transcends the simple inscription on this plaque.