**LéaLA 2024 Wraps Up with Over 12,000 Attendees**
LéaLA 2024, the iconic Los Angeles Spanish-language Book Fair and Literary Festival, concluded on Sunday, September 22nd, marking four bustling days filled with events celebrating Hispanic culture and literature. Hosted at the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, the fair attracted over 12,000 visitors, as reported by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA on Monday, September 23rd.
Spanning from Thursday to Sunday, the festival featured a broad and diverse program designed to foster understanding and appreciation of Hispanic literary traditions. “Under the motto ‘Building Peace Together,’ LéaLA 2024 interconnected the Hispanic community with renowned authors, poets, filmmakers, creators, and scholars from various backgrounds, all converging to engage with the attendees,” the Foundation stated.
The event emphasized promoting the Spanish language and Latin culture in the United States. With over 150 Spanish-language publishers participating, attendees had access to numerous contemporary and classic titles. “LéaLA makes contributions toward building a better world by promoting respect, tolerance, equity, and the importance of uniqueness through its activities,” expressed Gustavo Padilla Montes, president of the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, celebrating the 16th anniversary of the institution’s operations in the U.S. as well as the 30th anniversary of the University Network.
Marisol Schulz Manaut, the director of LéaLA, highlighted the literary richness brought by more than 50 authors from various countries. Among the notable figures were Élmer Mendoza, Cristina Rivera Garza, Carmen Villoro, and many more who contributed to the forum and literary programs.
The festival featured diverse activities, including dialogues on contemporary literature, cultural identity, and current issues affecting Mexico and the U.S. Additionally, the attendees enjoyed performances, film screenings, culinary shows, and a central poetry forum.
The University of Guadalajara’s initiative “Letras para Volar” organized continuous workshops for children and young adults, inspired by the theme of building peace together. These workshops saw participation from around 36 schools, engaging over 2,000 students.
Throughout the festival, notable guests and scholars led discussions on health, social media impact, and cultural identity. The event’s extensive book fair allowed conference speakers and writers to interact with the public, offering a wide array of Spanish-language literature for sale.
Key figures such as Dr. Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí, Rector General of the University of Guadalajara, and Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, attended LéaLA, reinforcing its significant connection with the local Hispanic community.
LéaLA 2024, driven by the University of Guadalajara and organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, was supported by various institutions, both public and private, on both sides of the border.
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**Secondary Article: New Initiatives for Hispanic Readers and Writers in the U.S.**
In related news, various new initiatives aimed at promoting Hispanic literature and supporting Hispanic writers within the United States are gaining traction.
The Hispanic Heritage Literature Organization, known for its mission to invigorate and celebrate Hispanic literature, recently announced several upcoming projects targeted at young readers and emerging writers. The “Stories of Our Heritage” project will involve collaboration with schools across the country to bring Hispanic historical narratives to life through interactive reading sessions and storytelling workshops.
Additionally, the Latino Books Month campaign, set for May, aims to highlight the impact of Hispanic authors through a series of book fairs, author readings, and writing contests for students. The campaign’s goal is to invigorate the Latino readership and encourage young authors to explore Hispanic themes in literature.
These initiatives, alongside events like LéaLA, signify a robust effort to maintain and grow the presence of Spanish-language literature within the United States, fostering a deeper appreciation and connection to Hispanic cultural heritage among diverse communities.