El duende satírico del día

Spanish newspaper

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June 25, 2026

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El duende satírico del día was a Spanish newspaper founded in 1828 by Mariano José de Larra, a journalist and satirist. Larra used this publication to critique contemporary Spanish society, targeting its social habits, literary tastes, and political shortcomings.1

The term "duende" itself, in Spanish folklore, refers to a ghost or goblin, believed to be the "owner of a house". In artistic contexts, it signifies a mystical force that captivates an audience. Larra's newspaper title, therefore, suggests a satirical commentary on the "satirical spirit of the day". Larra's work was known for its sharp wit and sarcasm, exposing pretentiousness and absurdity in Spanish life.21

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Mariano José de Larra
…Larra published his own newspaper, El duende satírico del día, for which he wrote his first journalistic essays. He later published another paper, El pobrecito hablador (1832–33), and then became drama critic for the nation’s finest newspaper, La revista española, under the pen name Fígaro. In 1834 his play Macías…
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…Larra published his own newspaper, El duende satírico del día, for which he wrote his first journalistic essays. He later published another paper, El pobrecito hablador (1832–33), and then became drama critic for the nation’s finest newspaper, La revista española, under the pen name Fígaro. In 1834 his play Macías…
Read More