Joaquín Sabina has always kept his private life out of the spotlight, but his work is filled with stories of love and heartbreak. One of the most significant figures from his youth was Chispa—a girl whose real name is Virtudes Artero. They met in Cádiz when Sabina was just 15 and Chispa was 12. They spent evenings together at house parties they organized themselves, quickly becoming inseparable. As time went by, their feelings grew stronger, but Chispa’s father stood firmly in their way, adamantly disapproving of their relationship.
Despite the prohibitions, the teenagers continued to see each other, always finding ways to stay close. Three years into their relationship, their bond became even stronger, but the pressure from Chispa’s family never eased. Sabina, already dreaming of a life in music and poetry, drew inspiration from these struggles for his future songs. It was Chispa to whom he dedicated one of his earliest compositions—“Una de romanos,” which became a symbol of their youthful passion and their inability to be together.
Letters and separation
In 1968, Sabina went to study in Granada, while Chispa and her family moved to Granollers. Hundreds of kilometers now separated them, but that didn’t stop them from keeping in touch. They wrote long letters to each other, sharing their thoughts, dreams, and memories of their time together. Sabina even made a desperate gesture: he set up a tent outside Chispa’s house, just to be closer to her for a little while.
However, distance and life circumstances gradually took their toll. When Sabina was forced into exile in London, their romantic story came to an end. But despite all the challenges, their friendship endured. From time to time, they would reconnect, reminiscing about the past and keeping in touch, even if not always closely.
Memory and loss
Years later, Chispa became a respected professor at the University of Cádiz. Her life was marked not only by memories of her first love, but also by hard trials. She suffered the tragic loss of her son, who dedicated himself to charity work and founded an organization to support education in Peru. The young man died from lung cancer, and Sabina, unable to attend the funeral, came to a memorial gathering to support Chispa and her loved ones.
In 2023, during a performance in Málaga, Sabina publicly dedicated his concert to Chispa, calling her his first true love. This gesture confirmed that the memories of youth and first love have remained with him throughout his life. For Chispa, these words became an important reminder of the profound impact she had on the famous musician’s life.
The women in Sabina’s life
In addition to Chispa, there have been other important women in Sabina’s life. His first wife was Lucía Correa, whom he married while serving in the military. Later, fate brought him together with Jimena Coronado, a photographer from Peru. Their relationship has lasted more than a quarter of a century, and together they have two daughters—Carmela and Rocío. Despite his new relationship, Sabina does not hide that memories of Chispa remain forever a part of his inner world and creative work.
If you didn’t know, Joaquín Sabina is one of the most famous Spanish singer-songwriters, with songs that have become staples of contemporary music. His work has earned numerous awards, and his lyrics are often based on real-life events and personal experiences. Chispa, or Virtudes Artero, not only inspired Sabina to create a number of songs, but also became a symbol of his youth. Today, she continues to teach in Cádiz, and despite the passage of time, their friendship remains strong.
