LeaLA, organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, is the largest book fair for books in Spanish in Los Angeles and it is back again this year during Hispanic Heritage Month from September 19 to 22 at La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes.
As in previous years, LéaLA will bring together writers and creators from Mexico, the United States, and other Ibero-American countries to engage in discussions with the community over four dynamic days. The event will feature free activities, including discussions on literature, contemporary thought, cinema, gastronomy, comedy, music and film.
Cristina Rivera Garza, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Invincible Summer of Liliana, will lead an emotional collective performance, highlighting passages from her book and raising awareness of gender violence and the urgent need to recognize the signs of such violence.
On Friday, September 20, there will be a screening of A Day Without a Mexican, a film marking its 20th anniversary, which remains relevant for its sharp take on immigration. The filmmakers, Yareli Arizmendi and Sergio Arau, will be present. This dynamic duo will also present the show Tocada y Fuga on Saturday, September 21. This performance ingeniously integrates famous classical melodies in Arau’s unique style, set within a story of betrayal and justice, featuring rhythms of ska, salsa, blues, and even punk.
“We invite everyone to join LéaLA and help fulfill its mission of celebrating our Latin roots, which creates a stronger bond among us, uniting us under one banner: Spanish,” said Marisol Schulz Manaut, Executive Director of LéaLA.
LéaLA 2024 will also feature discussions on cinema, literature, the writing process, and the history of Mexico and its gastronomy, including a talk titled, De chile, dulce y de manteca: How Do Mexicans Eat in California? This conversation will delve into traditions, history, innovation, and adaptation.
The complete program and list of invited personalities will be available on the event’s website, www.lea-la.com.