Celebrating Latino Culture and Literature at the 4th Hispanic Heritage Book Fair

The fourth edition of the Hispanic Heritage Book Fair, an event long awaited and celebrated by the Hispanic community, concluded with great success this past weekend. Organized by El Centro Hispano, under the leadership of Pilar Rocha-Goldberg, and in collaboration with MilibroHispano, directed by Pilar Vélez, this fair has established itself as a space of relevance for the promotion of Latino culture and literature in North Carolina.

A Literary Celebration for All Ages

From November 7 to 9, the fair was held at multiple venues in the Triangle area of ​​North Carolina, including Duke University in Durham and the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. The program included a wide variety of activities designed for all ages, with forums, workshops, and master classes, in which prominent local, national, and international authors participated.

Among the invited authors were Marco T. Robayo, Cecilia Márquez and Rolando González Báez, who shared their experiences and knowledge in panels and reading sessions. One of the most inspiring moments was the master class by playwright and director Yoshvani Medina, who gave a workshop on how to write for Netflix, opening a window to the audiovisual industry and new forms of creative expression for attendees.

Fostering a Love of Reading in Children

An essential aspect of the event was the participation of around 500 children from different schools in Durham and Wake counties, who enjoyed reading activities that allowed them to connect with their cultural roots. In addition, the fair offered a rich children’s program with storytelling, puppets, children’s yoga and concerts, strengthening the bond of the new generations with their Latin identity and heritage through the love of reading in Spanish.

Spaces for Reflection and Cultural Dialogue

The forums and workshops also addressed topics of great cultural value, such as trends in young adult literature, the relationship between alternative therapies and literature, and panels on testimonial literature and displacement. These spaces for dialogue and reflection allowed the experiences and voices of the Latino community to be heard and valued, creating an inclusive and enriching environment.

A Literary Legacy That Lasts

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the participating authors, recognizing their contribution to this celebration of Latino literature and culture. The Hispanic Heritage Book Fair continues to grow in importance, becoming an annual tradition that promotes the exploration and celebration of Hispanic literary and cultural diversity in North Carolina.

To learn more about future editions and how to participate, visit the El Centro Hispano website.