Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the 6th Latin American Book Fair Kickoff Party! Join us at the Heim Center for Cultural and Civic Engagement on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. for an exciting morning where literature, art, and culture unite to honor the vibrant Latino community. This year’s event proudly features Venezuela as the guest country, showcasing its rich traditions, art, and literature.

Echos de Venezuela: A Celebration of Heritage and Resilience

As part of this special event, we present Echos de Venezuela, a program that delves into Venezuela's cultural roots through its folklore and literature. The program highlights the works of two of Venezuela’s most celebrated writers, Eugenio Montejo and Andrés Eloy Blanco, who have captured the deepest emotions and collective spirit of the Venezuelan people. We also celebrate the legacy of Alí Primera, a musician and poet whose songs advocate for social justice.

This event will immerse you in the creativity, resilience, and spirit of Venezuela while offering a platform to connect with the broader Latin American literary tradition.

The festivities continue on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Taller Puertorriqueño:

Doors open at 11:00 a.m., and the day starts with an inspiring keynote address by Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, acclaimed creator of the superhero series La Borinqueña. He will speak about the transformative power of storytelling, the importance of representation in media, and Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage.

• Bilingual Family Storytime: Explore Hispanic culture's beauty and diversity through stories in English and Spanish. This family-friendly event includes an engaging craft activity that children of all ages will enjoy. It's a perfect opportunity to experience the richness of bilingualism and share the joy of storytelling with your loved ones.
• Book presentation De los Cuentos a las Cuentas: This is a magical journey into financial wisdom for kids. This delightful children's story, written by María Del Pilar Rodríguez and illustrated by María Jose Fonseca, introduces young readers to the basics of saving and financial literacy. Through the adventures of Sofía and her grandmother, children learn essential life lessons about money, decision-making, and the joy of helping others. Don't miss this fun and educational session!
• Amplifying Voices: The Importance of Diverse Stories in Children's Literature: This thought-provoking panel discussion brings together acclaimed authors and publishers to explore the critical role of diverse narratives in children’s literature. Learn about the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, and gain insights into how to create and promote your own books. This panel is a must-attend for aspiring writers, educators, and literary enthusiasts.
• Ecos de la Herencia: Unveiling the Latin American Poetic Voice in Philadelphia: This interactive poetry workshop explores the impact of Latin American poetry in the local community. Participants will engage in discussions on the themes and traditions of Latino poetry, culminating in a collaborative group poem that reflects the diverse voices of the community.

• Introducing INK-CUBATOR, a dynamic new initiative launching at the Latin American Book Fair! INK-CUBATOR is a collaborative creative space designed to support writers and authors by offering them a platform to share their work and receive valuable feedback from fellow writers, industry professionals, and tastemakers. The program will feature special guest Nina Rodriguez Martí, senior editor at Penguin Random House, known for her work with prominent authors. INK-CUBATOR is open to anyone, from those with fully drafted pieces to individuals with ideas still in development. This is an opportunity to refine your writing in a supportive, constructive environment. If you want to participate, please sign up using the registration link.

The day will feature live music by Zyra Maria Gonzalez Monterrey, a Cuban musician whose career spans multiple continents and musical genres, adding a melodic backdrop to the cultural celebration.

Mark your calendars and join us for these inspiring events as we honor Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the power of Latin American literature, art, and culture!

For more information about the 6th edition of the Latin American Book Fair, visit www.latinbookfair.com.