félibre

A félibre was a member of a literary movement that emerged in Catalonia and the South of France during the 19th century. The term "félibre" itself originates from Occitan and can be translated as "free poet" or "poet free from constraints." This movement was primarily associated with the troubadour tradition and the revival of the Occitan language, also known as langue d'oc or Catalan.

The félibre movement sought to elevate Occitan literature and culture, which had been in decline for centuries due to the dominance of French. Key figures like Frederic Mistral, a Nobel laureate in literature, were instrumental in this revival. Mistral, along with other poets, aimed to create a standardized Occitan language and promote its use in poetry, novels, and other literary forms. They believed that a strong literary tradition was essential for the preservation and flourishing of their cultural identity.

The félibres often celebrated rural life, historical themes, and the distinctive landscapes of their regions. Their work emphasized lyricism, emotional expression, and a connection to the land. While the movement was strongest in Provence, its influence extended to Catalonia, where it contributed to the Renaixença, a similar cultural and literary renaissance for the Catalan language. The félibre movement, therefore, represents a significant effort to reclaim and reassert regional languages and cultures in the face of broader nationalistic trends.