MADRID, Spain
The magazine Critica has begun its one hundred year of presence in the world of publications in Spanish. On January 24 Manuela Aguilera, its actual directress, recalled the history of the magazine in an Anniversary Breakfast with the occasion of the feast of the patron saint of journalists, St Francis of Sales.
The history of Critica consists of different periods. This centenary publication was initiated as a means of communication for teachers and students linked to the Teresian Work founded by Pedro Poveda in 1911. Its inception goes back to 1913 when the first issue of the Boletín de la Academia de Santa Teresa de Jesús was published. From that date on till today the magazine has not been interrupted except for two moments: a few months between June 1915 and the first months of 1916 and during the first period of the Civil War in 1936. The first issues reflect the direct stamp of Pedro Poveda.
When in 1916 the magazine reappears its name is slightly modified to Boletín de las Academias Teresianas. In its presentation we can read: “we continue our communication with the public with the same faith, the same enthusiasm and identical firmness as in the previous period.”
“'Critica' is a different magazine of general information...” just as the current editors define the magazine in its recently renovated web. “One hundred years of Critica magazine in the market place become an almost unique case in the Spanish world of communication means” they affirm. "It is a magazine done by women, but not for women, -they clarify- it is envisioned for persons, women and men, concerned with their times; open to the geographically near and far off reality, to the scientific advances, to ethical reflection, to the current culture in all its manifestations; from its beginning until its actual format of monographic character”. Already in the first issue of the publication, in 1913, we can read: “We say that the rights of women to cultivate their intelligence are not only a matter of rights: it is also a matter of duties”.
The third period falls in the years between 19921 and 1936. Its format differs and its name changes to Boletín de la Institución Teresiana. This name coincides with the moment of consolidation of such Institution and of its educational and cultural work in various provinces of Spain and in Chile and Italy.
In July of 1937, in the midst of the Civil War, the magazine reappears with an especial issue dedicated to the death of Pedro Poveda and its format is new. In the year 1944 the name changes to Revista de la Institución Teresiana.
Since 1963, the publication tries to amplify its profile, its public target and its place in the cultural world. The magazine is published with the name Revista de ensayo, crítica e información. According to journalists and cultural references that collaborate in this magazine, its quality is unusual for that period. In 1966 there is a slight variation in its name: Revista de ensayo, crítica y actualidad. From 1972 to the present it is known as Revista Crítica; it continues being a publication of thought and reflection within the journalism for interpretation and opinion on the most polemic matters of its time, contributing data and criteria. Christian humanism constitutes the inspiration of the editorial line since its origins. In 2001 it becomes a monographic magazine.
This magazine, at every stage of its history, has been directed by professional women and writing teams from different fields of knowledge and cultural tasks. The topic selected, the design, the journalistic structure and the materials used have made of Critica a magazine of actuality and periodic consultation. Its readers appreciate the magazine for its cultural level, its commitment and impact in society.
EIn 2007 Crítica became the finalist for the Journalism Price that the Association for Human Rights in Spain grants every year.
On the start of its centenary the web page has been renewed and it also offers now the digital subscription at www.revista-critica.com.
Laura Moreno M.
Translation: Mª Teresa Cuervo