In a city where Spanish is woven into everyday life, LéaLA (loosely translated into “read it”) has become more than a literary festival—it is a celebration of the language, stories, and cultural heritage that aims to bridge generations of U.S. Latinos and their ancestors south of the border.
LéaLA – The Spanish Language Book Fair & Literary Festival, organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, LéaLA will once again transform LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes into a vibrant gathering place for readers, authors, educators, filmmakers, poets, and families who share a love of literature and the Spanish language.
Now recognized as one of the country’s premier literary and cultural events, LéaLA continues its mission of fostering dialogue through books, critical thought, film, poetry, educational programming, and the exchange of ideas that connect communities across generations and borders.
This year’s theme, “The Stories That Unite Us Speak Spanish,” reflects the festival’s belief that language is more than a means of communication—it is a powerful connection to identity, family, and cultural heritage.
Held in the historic Olvera Street district, the festival brings together voices from the United States, Mexico, and Latin America, offering attendees the opportunity to discover new authors, participate in literary conversations, attend cultural presentations, and enjoy family-friendly programming—all free of charge.
Honoring the Stories We Inherit
One of the most meaningful additions to this year’s festival is “The Voice of Memory,” a community writing contest that invites participants to celebrate the people whose stories helped shape their lives.
Rather than focusing solely on published works, the initiative encourages writers of all ages to share the anecdotes, traditions, life lessons, and cherished memories passed down by grandparents, parents, mentors, and other influential figures.
The contest underscores one of LéaLA’s central messages: some of our most powerful stories are first told at home.
A Cultural Bridge Through Literature
Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, with support from the philanthropic legacy of Phyrrha Gladys Grodman, LéaLA has become an important cultural bridge connecting Spanish-speaking communities throughout the Americas.
“Spanish is the language that carries our memories, traditions, and stories,” organizers note. “Through literature and storytelling, we preserve our past while inspiring future generations.”
The festival is also supported by the University of Guadalajara Alumni Association in Los Angeles and numerous public and private institutions committed to promoting literacy, education, and cross-cultural understanding.
Event Information
LéaLA – The Spanish Language Book Fair & Literary Festival
Dates: September 24–27, 2026
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Admission: Free and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.lea-la.com.