LéaLA Launches Exciting Plans for Its Milestone Tenth Edition

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Luis Gustavo Padilla Montes, president of the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, presided over the announcement event.

In just a few weeks, the 10th edition of LéaLA will arrive in Los Angeles, bringing with it bold new initiatives. Amid a challenging climate marked by increasing attacks on the Latino community—fueling fear and uncertainty, especially among immigrant families—this year’s festival is doubling down on peace, culture, and the power of reading to uplift and unite.

While federal efforts continue to downplay and restrict the use of Spanish, LéaLA stands firmly in defense of the language and culture, even if not always explicitly stated.

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has implemented extraordinary measures this school year to protect students and their families. Still, reports of ICE agents near schools have raised serious concerns among educators and parents alike.

From September 25th to 28th, the LéaLA fair will take place at Plaza de la Raza, inviting the Latino community to celebrate the richness of the Spanish language, culture, and literature.

Although organizers have yet to announce specific safety protocols in light of current political tensions and immigration enforcement actions, the festival’s commitment to creating a welcoming space remains clear.

Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA and the LéaLA – Spanish Book Fair and Literary Festival Committee, this landmark 2025 edition will be held under the theme “Let’s Build Peace Together.”

As in previous years, the festival will feature a dynamic four-day program where writers and artists from Mexico, the United States, and across Latin America will engage in vibrant conversations with the community. The free events will span literature, contemporary thought, film, humor, and creative workshops—with a special focus on children and young adults.

The cultural lineup also includes an extensive literary and publishing program, showcasing poetry and prose from authors on both sides of the border, alongside interactive children’s workshops and storytelling sessions.

This year’s LéaLA, supported by the legacy of philanthropist Pyrrha Gladys Grodman, will be hosted at Plaza de Cultura y Artes—LéaLA’s traditional home in the historic Plaza Olvera, the heart of Los Angeles’ Hispanic community.

Marisol Schulz Manaut, general director of LéaLA, expressed her vision for the festival:

“Our 2025 theme, ‘Let’s Build Peace Together,’ reflects our aspiration to foster coexistence, solidarity, and shared conviction through spaces for dialogue, reflection, and growth. Thanks to the support of our community, we have made great strides and are inspired to continue evolving and innovating.”

Luis Gustavo Padilla Montes, president of the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, presided over the announcement event.

The official opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 25th at 4 p.m., with children’s workshops, school visits, and other activities beginning earlier that day. The full program is already available on LéaLA’s social media and website.