Alaska’s Family, Marriage, and Friends: The Essential Guide

Alaska was a singer and pop culture figure who shaped music and art with her unique style. Relationships with her family mattered to her, and she also valued her friends and the bonds formed through shared experiences. Her story included meaningful connections that deeply influenced her personal and creative life.

Family and Early Life

Alaska was born as María Olvido Gara Jova in Mexico City in 1963. Her family moved to Madrid in the early 1970s. Growing up, Alaska’s environment was shaped by art and music, with her parents encouraging her creativity.

Her family background reflected her Spanish and Cuban roots. Her father was a Spanish exile and her mother was Cuban, which gave Alaska a multicultural upbringing. Both parents played a part in shaping her musical taste and worldview.

Alaska married Mario Vaquerizo, a Spanish journalist and singer, in 1999. They met in Madrid during the 1990s in the music scene, where their shared love for performance brought them together. Their marriage took place in Las Vegas, known for its unconventional wedding style.

Alaska and Mario did not have children, either biological or adopted. Mario supported Alaska’s career and often appeared with her on television and in public events. Alaska’s family members also included people connected to creative professions.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
Mario Vaquerizo	Husband	1974
América Jova	Mother	Unknown
Manuel Gara	Father	Unknown

Friends and Community

Alaska built strong friendships throughout her life, especially in Madrid’s music and art circles. Many of these friendships began during the rise of La Movida Madrileña, an era full of creativity and experimentation. She met friends who were also artists, musicians, and filmmakers.

One close friend was Pedro Almodóvar, the well-known Spanish film director. They met through their creative work, and their friendship grew stronger when Alaska acted in his film Pepi, Luci, Bom in 1980. They shared artistic ideas and mutual respect.

Another important friend was Carlos Berlanga, a frequent collaborator and fellow musician. Their friendship began when they formed bands together. Collaborating on musical projects made their connection both professional and personal.

Some friendships continued for decades, rooted in common goals and creative ambitions. Changes in life and work sometimes shifted relationships, but Alaska cherished the friends who stood by her side.

Name	Known Since	Profession
Pedro Almodóvar	1979	Film Director
Carlos Berlanga	Late 1970s	Musician, Composer
Nacho Canut	Late 1970s	Bassist, Songwriter