Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, LéaLA has become the most ambitious platform in the U.S. dedicated to Spanish-language books and thought. This year’s theme, “Let’s Build Peace Together,” underscores the festival’s commitment to promoting dialogue, cultural pride, and community connection through literature and the arts.

Created for all ages

Over four days, visitors can enjoy a completely free program featuring:

• Author readings and conversations with acclaimed writers from Mexico, the U.S., and across Ibero-America, including José Ignacio Valenzuela (“El Chascas”), Xavier Velasco, María Baranda, Toño Malpica, Benito Taibo, and Jorge F. Hernández.
• Film screenings, such as La Falla by filmmaker Alana Simões, exploring the emotional lives of children in rural Jalisco.
• The beloved Poetry Hub, where voices from both sides of the border share their work in an interactive setting led by Gaspar Orozco and Ilana Luna.
• Children’s workshops, expanded this year to ten sessions in partnership with the University of Guadalajara’s Letras para Volar initiative, offering storytelling, music, and creative activities to inspire a love of reading among young audiences.
• Educational panels within the Forum of Ideas, focused on the transformative power of education and bilingual learning, with leaders from LAUSD and academic institutions in Mexico and California.

“Our 2025 theme, ‘Let’s Build Peace Together,’ reflects our mission to create spaces for thinking, reflecting, and growing in harmony,” said Marisol Schulz Manaut, LéaLA’s general director.

Gustavo Padilla, president of the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, emphasized the festival’s role in education: “The Forum of Ideas is designed to promote equity, inclusion, and international academic collaboration. It’s about building bridges through language and learning.”

With more than 40 publishers and the University of Guadalajara’s Carlos Fuentes Bookstore on-site, attendees can browse and purchase a wide variety of Spanish-language titles.

Since its first edition in 2011, LéaLA has drawn tens of thousands of readers, students, and families, building a loyal following in Los Angeles. With support from community institutions, educational partners, and sponsors like DirecTV, the 2025 festival marks a milestone tenth edition.

Festival Details

? LéaLA – Spanish-Language Book Fair and Literary Festival
? September 25–28, 2025 | 9 AM – 7 PM daily
? LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
? www.lea-la.com
? All activities are free and open to the public

From thought-provoking discussions to hands-on workshops and live performances, LéaLA offers something for everyone—whether you’re a lifelong reader, an educator, or a family looking for enriching cultural activities.

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making books, stories, and creativity part of your weekend in the heart of Los Angeles.

The post LéaLA 2025 Kicks Off Hispanic Heritage Month with Four Days of Books, Ideas, and Performances first appeared on .

Larry battled pancreatic cancer for 18 months. Much like he lived his life, he fought cancer with courage and resilience. He spent his last few weeks embraced by the love and support of his family, friends, and former colleagues. Larry expressed deep gratitude to God for the life he lived and the opportunity he had to give back to the Mexican-American community as a leader, notable entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, Larry learned from an early age what it meant to work hard. Hard work became the fundamental attribute of his life. Growing up in Estrada Courts, a government housing project in Boyle Heights, Larry started his first business at 8 years old as a shoe-shine boy – taking the bus from Boyle Heights to LAX by himself to work – later recruiting his two younger brothers to grow the business. He was the oldest of three brothers and he was tasked with finding a way to help support his family – hard work at a young age was how he did it. His perseverance and work ethic propelled him to achieve the American dream.

Larry was a champion for social justice and dedicated his life’s work to fighting tirelessly for those who were underrepresented, particularly kids from the Latino community living in the inner cities of Los Angeles. Growing up on the East Side, while attending the legendary Roosevelt High School where he was elected student body president and graduated with distinction in 1973, he experienced first-hand what the schools and community needed in order to thrive.

Throughout his life, Larry served on a myriad of non-profit boards, including Fire Commissioner on the City of Los Angeles Fire Commission, board member on the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, and was also a featured speaker at local schools throughout his career.

Larry will be remembered in history as the youngest-ever board member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. He made a significant impact on Los Angeles Schools, particularly his integral involvement in the opening of Bravo Medical Magnet High School. His leadership and unwavering commitment to education led to his appointment as Director of Community Affairs at Univision’s flagship television station, KMEX-TV. That experience garnered him the opportunity to become Station Manager for KMEX Channel 34, the country’s first and largest Spanish-language TV outlet. It was during his tenure at Univision KMEX, that Larry launched one of the largest Hispanic market events, Fiesta Broadway, thus began his 36-year career in entertainment.

Among his many business successes is the creation of All Access Entertainment, a company that would forever change the landscape of events and entertainment in California. As President, Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Producer, he orchestrated remarkable experiences, most notably the world-renowned Fiesta Broadway. Under his leadership, the event grew to become one of the longest-running, major Hispanic market outdoor festivals on the West Coast. The live event drew crowds of half a million, bringing people from all walks of life together and celebrating the beauty of Mexican-American culture. Notable acts included prominent artists in Latin music: Los Tigres del Norte, Veronica Castro, Thalia, Alejandra Guzman, Celia Cruz, Selena, Lola Beltran, and Jose Jose, to name a few.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larry remained humble and down-to-earth, cherishing genuine connections and true friendship. He believed in the power of unity through community, and his legacy will live on through the countless jobs he created, the talented professionals he nurtured, and the political campaigns he championed. Larry’s commitment to his community extended to his role as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bravo Inc., where he continued to put the community first by providing television and event production services.

He was an avid reader that could be found on the porch on a sunny day reading the Los Angeles Times. On weekend mornings he’d enjoy long bike rides through Pasadena. He loved current events, world news, and politics. He made friends easily and kept them. He never missed an opportunity to make someone laugh. He loved a good time hosting friends and was a great storyteller. Larry was quick to smile, charming, and quick-witted. He was easy to love. An exceedingly kind and humble man, he will be remembered for his generosity, good humor, wise advice, work ethic, high standards, and most of all, his devotion to his family. He took great pride in his two daughters, Aileen and Annette. Their success is a testament to his unwavering love and support as a father.

A mass will take place Friday, June 30th at 12 pm at Resurrection Church 3324 Opal St. in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, Larry’s family requests that in his memory to inspire and empower future generations, donations be made to the Los Angeles Little League Field Light fund at https://gofund.me/436dede2.

The post Larry Gonzalez, Trailblazing Politician, and Community Leader Passes Away at 67 first appeared on .