Lit And Luz Fest Returns This Weekend, Connecting Mexican And Chicago Artists For 12th Year

The 12th annual Lit and Luz Festival launches this weekend, bringing together Mexican and Chicago artists around the theme "Repair/Reparar. " The festival runs from Sunday through November 14, featuring poetry readings, live performances, and artist discussions at venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Mexican Art. Sofía Gabriel, executive director of MAKE Literary Productions, highlights the festival's role in fostering community healing during a time of heightened immigration tensions. Key events include a keynote address by acclaimed poet Marcelo Hernandez Castillo and a reading by Diana Garza Islas from her newly translated collection. The festival's signature event, the Live Magazine Show, pairs artists from both regions for collaborative performances.

All events, except for the Live Magazine Show, are free to the public, promoting accessibility and community engagement. Gabriel notes the importance of creating safe spaces for expression and solidarity within the Latinx community. Organizers have implemented protocols to ensure safety, particularly for artists traveling from Mexico.