José Joaquín de Olmedo y Maruri (Guayaquil, March 20, 1780 – Guayaquil, February 19, 1847) was a notable Ecuadorian poet, first mayor of Guayaquil, and former president of Ecuador. In his poetry, Olmedo emphasized patriotic themes. His best-known work is La victoria de Junín: Canto a Bolívar (1825; “The Victory at Junín: Song to Bolívar”), which commemorates the decisive battle won there by the forces of the liberator Simón Bolívar against the Spanish armies. It is considered by many critics the finest example of heroic poetry written in Spanish America.
“He who does not hope to win has already lost.”
famous saying by José Joaquín de Olmedo
Early Life and Education
José Joaquín de Olmedo y Maruri was born on March 20, 1780, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He came from an affluent family; his father, Captain Miguel Agustín de Olmedo y Troyano, was a Spanish military officer from Mijas near Málaga. Miguel de Olmedo had settled in Guayaquil after serving in Panama, taking up roles such as treasurer and war commissioner for expeditions to the Marañón region. He later became involved in trade and settled into the local society. José Joaquín’s mother, Ana Francisca de Maruri y Salavarría, belonged to the old Basque nobility established in the Guayas basin.
Olmedo’s early education took place in Guayaquil and Quito, where he studied at the San Luis Seminary and later at the Convictorio de San Fernando, managed by the Dominican Order. Here, he learned Latin and Spanish grammar and befriended José Mejía Lequerica, forming a lifelong friendship. His mentor, Dr. Eugenio de Santa Cruz y Espejo, greatly influenced Olmedo’s intellectual development.
In 1794, Olmedo moved to Lima to further his studies, enrolling in the Real Convictorio de San Carlos, where he studied philosophy and mathematics. By 1799, he was a student at the University of San Marcos, participating in public philosophy and mathematics exercises. He received his law degree from the University of San Marcos in 1805.
Political and Diplomatic Career
Olmedo’s political career began in the early 1800s when he became involved in the independence movement in Latin America. In 1811, he represented Guayaquil in the Cortes de Cádiz, the Spanish revolutionary parliament that enacted the liberal Constitution of 1812. Despite his role in this assembly, the re-establishment of absolute monarchy under Ferdinand VII led to the dissolution of the Cortes and the persecution of its members, including Olmedo, who briefly went into hiding.
He was a key figure in Guayaquil’s fight for independence from Spain. On October 9, 1820, Olmedo and other patriots declared Guayaquil an independent province. He served as President of the Free Province of Guayaquil and worked towards establishing a government and military to defend its independence. He formed alliances, including with Antonio José de Sucre, which helped in the liberation of Quito and Cuenca. However, Olmedo opposed the annexation of Guayaquil into Gran Colombia by Simón Bolívar in 1822 and went into self-imposed exile in Peru.
In Peru, Olmedo continued his political involvement and was part of the country’s first Constituent Congress. He later represented Gran Colombia as an ambassador in Europe, serving in France and Portugal. Returning to Ecuador, Olmedo became the first Vice President of Ecuador in 1830 under President Juan José Flores. He later served as President of Ecuador from March 6 to December 8, 1845, after leading the Marcista Revolution, which resulted in the resignation of Juan José Flores.
Literary Career
Olmedo was not only a politician but also a celebrated poet known for his patriotic and heroic themes. His most renowned work, “La victoria de Junín: Canto a Bolívar” (1825), is a significant piece of heroic poetry that commemorates the victory at the Battle of Junín, a pivotal event in the Latin American wars of independence. He also wrote poems such as “Al General Flores, vencedor en Miñarica” and “Alfabeto para un niño.” Olmedo’s works often reflected his deep commitment to the cause of independence and the values of liberty.
His poetry was well-regarded for its depth and aesthetic sense, and he often used his literary talents to celebrate and immortalize the struggles and victories of the independence movements. His works gained recognition, leading to several publications and reprints, including a posthumous volume of his “Obras Poéticas” in 1848.
Legacy and Recognitions
José Joaquín de Olmedo’s legacy as a poet, patriot, and statesman is deeply ingrained in Ecuadorian history. He is remembered for his contributions to the independence movement, both in his native Guayaquil and across Ecuador. His efforts in designing the flag and crest of Guayaquil and composing its anthem have left a lasting cultural impact.
In recognition of his contributions, Guayaquil’s international airport was named after him in 2008. His works continue to be studied and admired as exemplars of heroic poetry in Latin America.
Olmedo passed away on February 19, 1847, in Guayaquil. His dedication to his country and his literary achievements have cemented his place as one of Ecuador’s most significant historical figures. His quote, “He who does not hope to win has already lost,” reflects his resolute spirit and enduring legacy.
Timeline of José Joaquín de Olmedo’s Life
- March 20, 1780: Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Captain Miguel Agustín de Olmedo y Troyano and Ana Francisca de Maruri y Salavarría.
- 1794: Moves to Lima, Peru, for further education under the care of his relative, Dr. José de Silva y Olave. Attends the Real Convictorio de San Carlos, where he studies philosophy and mathematics.
- 1799: Enrolls at the University of San Marcos in Lima, participating in public exercises of philosophy and mathematics.
- 1800: Appointed as a philosophy professor at the Convictorio de San Carlos.
- 1805: Earns a law degree from the University of San Marcos.
- 1808: Returns to Guayaquil due to his father’s illness and becomes the executor of his father’s estate.
- 1809: Becomes a practicing lawyer in the Audiencia of Quito.
- 1810: Receives appointment as a deputy representing Guayaquil in the Cortes de Cádiz, Spain.
- 1811: Represents Guayaquil at the Cortes de Cádiz, advocating for liberal reforms and the abolition of forced labor practices like the “mita.”
- 1814: The Cortes de Cádiz is dissolved by Ferdinand VII, leading to Olmedo’s temporary hiding in Madrid and eventual return to Guayaquil.
- October 9, 1820: Declares the independence of Guayaquil from Spain and becomes President of the Free Province of Guayaquil.
- 1821: Writes “Canción al 9 de octubre,” the first anthem of Ecuadorian territory, and designs the flag and crest of Guayaquil.
- 1822: Refuses the annexation of Guayaquil to Gran Colombia; goes into self-imposed exile in Peru after Bolívar annexes the province.
- 1823: Edits a 45-page translation of Alexander Pope’s “Essay on Man” in Lima.
- 1825: Composes “La victoria de Junín: Canto a Bolívar,” commemorating the victory at the Battle of Junín. This work solidifies his reputation as a poet.
- 1825-1826: Serves as the ambassador of Gran Colombia to France and Portugal.
- 1830: Returns to Ecuador and becomes the first Vice President of Ecuador under President Juan José Flores.
- 1837: Writes “Canción del 10 de agosto,” which serves as a precursor to the current national anthem of Ecuador.
- March 6, 1845: Leads the Marcista Revolution against President Juan José Flores and becomes the President of Ecuador.
- December 8, 1845: Ends his term as President of Ecuador.
- 1846: Travels to Lima in an attempt to improve his health condition.
- February 19, 1847: Dies in Guayaquil at the age of 66. His death marks the end of a significant era in Ecuadorian history.
- 1848: A volume of his “Obras Poéticas,” revised and corrected by Olmedo, is published posthumously in Valparaíso.
- 2008: The Guayaquil airport is renamed José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in his honor.