Violeta Parra

Violeta del Carmen Parra Sandoval

["Folklorist", "Singer-Songwriter", "Visual Artist", "Mother of Nueva Cancion"]

Born Oct 04, 1917

San Carlos (Nuble), Chile

Passed Away Feb 05, 1967 La Reina (Santiago), Chile

Lifespan 49 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Thanks to life, which has given me so much: it gave me two eyes that when I open them, clearly distinguish black from white."

Archival Overview

Chilean folklorist, singer, poet, and visual artist who founded the Nueva Cancion Chilena movement and composed the immortal humanist anthem Gracias a la vida.

Biographical Record

Violeta Parra (1917–1967) traveled across rural Chile on foot and horseback with a guitar and notebook, recording thousands of forgotten indigenous and peasant folk songs. In 1964, she became the first Latin American artist to hold a solo exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs at the Louvre, displaying her tapestries (arpilleras), oil paintings, and wire sculptures.

In 1966, Parra recorded her album 'Las Ultimas Composiciones', featuring 'Volver a los diecisiete' and 'Gracias a la vida' ('Thanks to Life')—one of the most beloved and performed songs in Hispanic history—months before ending her life in her Santiago circus tent.

Key Life Milestones

1964

Solo Exhibition at the Louvre

Became the first Latin American solo artist exhibited at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

1966

Composition of 'Gracias a la vida'

Recorded her immortal humanist hymn of gratitude and existential beauty.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

General Cemetery of Santiago
Santiago, Chile

                         GPS: -33.4189, -70.6517                    

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