The Association of Bertsolarism Fans of Bizkaia is 40 years old this year and, in addition to celebrations, we want to acknowledge the path that has been taken. We have decided to thank those who started their journey in 40 years and let them see their need, and as a sign of this, Begoña Iturriza Zabala, txapela donor of this year’s championship.

In 1983, what we know today as the Association of Bertsolarism Fans of Bizkaia was born, as a result of the decision taken by the bertsolaris schools of Bizkaia to join each other. His immense work gave a great boost to Bertsolarism and the vasquity of Bizkaia, and we are very grateful for his career.

Among them was Iturriza. Although he received the Basque in his house, when he was young he lost medium and helped him recover. He enrolled in the Bertso Eskola de Santutxu and has since studied and taught bertsos for twenty years.

But not only in the bertso-eskola, but also in the sessions and events of bertsolaris in Bilbao and its surroundings, always linked to the verse. He has worked for many years from the other side of the tarima, in most cases, although at some point he's been on the top: getting ready and throwing some verses 40 years later, Iturriza remains very attached to the bertso world. It's a regular face both in the championship and outside it.

The final of the Bizkaia Bertsolaris Championship will be held on 16 December in Bilbao. There we will see the champion Begoña dressing the beret.