### “LéaLA: A Festival of Emotions” – Marisol Schulz Manautb
With the theme “Let’s Build Peace Together,” the Feria del Libro en Español de Los Ángeles (LéaLA) is set to take place from September 19 to September 22, 2024, at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Organized by the Fundación Universidad de Guadalajara USA, with backing from the Grodman Legacy and collaboration from several public and private institutions across the US-Mexico border, LéaLA aims to promote reading in Spanish and celebrate the cultural diversities of the Latino community in the United States.
Marisol Schulz Manaut, the general director of both LéaLA and the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL), states, “The Fundación Universidad de Guadalajara was established in 2011 to connect the Latino population with their traditions, identity, culture, and education.”
**A Literary Festival and Book Fair**
Since its inception under Schulz Manaut’s direction in 2011, LéaLA has maintained various formats and scales. It began as a book fair and, after a few iterations and a hiatus, adapted to a literary festival format in 2019. The event took a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2021. By 2022, LéaLA began to function as both a book fair and literary festival once more, showcasing books and hosting discussions and workshops.
Schulz Manaut emphasizes LéaLA’s commitment to promoting Spanish-language literature in an area with limited representation: “LéaLA was created to promote literacy and Spanish-language books in a city like Los Angeles, where there’s a significant Hispanic population but limited literary presence.”
**Bridging Two Countries**
LéaLA showcases a blend of local and international talent, featuring more than 50 authors from various Spanish-speaking regions such as Juan Villoro, Cristina Rivera Garza, and Élmer Mendoza. Schulz Manaut notes the importance of participation from Baja California authors and institutions like the Biblioteca Central de Los Ángeles, indicating broad support for the event.
She adds, “The issues faced by Spanish speakers in Tijuana and Los Angeles are strikingly similar, and breaking these barriers through literature is essential.”
**A Message of Peace**
The event’s theme this year, “Let’s Build Peace Together,” targets youth, encouraging them to explore and express their ideas of peace through writing. Schulz Manaut explains, “We aim to inspire young people to reflect on peace, not just globally but within our communities and personal lives.”
**An Emotional Journey**
Schulz sees LéaLA as a “festival of emotions,” touching attendees deeply by reconnecting them with their cultural roots and language. “LéaLA brings joy and tears of nostalgia; it’s a heartfelt, emotional experience.”
For further details and program schedules, visit the LéaLA website at [https://lea-la.com](https://lea-la.com).
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### Secondary Article
**Excitement Builds for LéaLA 2024**
The upcoming LéaLA event in Los Angeles promises an exciting lineup of activities aimed at fostering a love for Spanish literature. In past editions, notable authors have graced the event, providing a rich, immersive experience for attendees. This year, the event will focus on interactive discussions, book readings, and cultural exchanges.
**Key Highlights**
1. **Author Panels and Discussions**: Attendees can engage with prominent authors like Juan Villoro and Cristina Rivera Garza in intimate settings, gaining insights into their works and creative processes.
2. **Workshops and Activities**: Various hands-on workshops will be available, providing opportunities for participants to hone their writing and literary skills.
3. **Cultural Expressions**: The festival will feature performances and exhibits that celebrate Latin American traditions and contemporary cultural expressions.
**Building Community**
The collaboration between US and Mexican institutions underscores the event’s commitment to cultural unity and literacy. The Consulado General de México en Los Ángeles and several other organizations play vital roles in promoting the event.
Marisol Schulz Manaut reiterates, “LéaLA is not just an event but a bridge that connects communities through the power of literature.”
Followers of LéaLA can stay updated through the event’s social media platforms and the official website.
Make sure to join this cultural celebration and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Spanish literature this September!
For more information, visit the LéaLA website [here](https://lea-la.com).