Rafael Otero

Cuban writer and poet recognized for having exerted great influence on Cuban Literature, where he began his journalism career with chronicles that garnered attention.

From a very young age he was inclined to write his first poems, and at that same time he also wrote at fifteen years old "Mi hijo el francés", his first comedy. He stands out for his articles in the newspaper La Prensa published under the title "El Observatorio Habanero" (for women), where he began his journalism career with chronicles that garnered attention.

Founder and editor of "El Iris", "Flores de las Antillas" and "La Danza". He collaborated in "Cuba Literaria" and in "La idea". He is the author of "Sátira en defensa de la danza cubana". Author also of poetry and comedies of costumbrista tales.

He wrote humorous poetry (laughs and sarcasm) and costumbrista tales, such as "Cuentecillos de mi tierra" (1859). His greatest award was given for his Sátira en defensa de la Danza cubana, with a gold medal at the Fuegos Florales of the Liceo de Matanzas in 1865.

Comedies
1847 Un novio para la isleña
1848 Un bobo del día
1850 El Muerto Manda
1851 Quien tiene tienda que la atienda
1857 Un Coburgo
1861 Cecilia la Matancera
1865 Cuatro a una
1866 Cantos Sociales
1866 María, La perla de la Diaria
1868 Del Agua mansa nos libre dios

Positions he held
He was editor of the Aurora in Matanzas, Director of the Yumurí and later editor of Aurora del Yumuri (1858-1861).
He held a position in the royal treasury and was secretary of the Town Hall.
Co-founder and co-editor of the Duende.
He also collaborated in Cuba Literaria and in la Idea.

He died on June 2, 1876 in the western city of Matanzas.