SOMOS XICANAS BOOK TOUR EVENTS
2025 - 2026
SCROLL DOWN FOR COMPLETE LIST AND BOOK LAUNCH EVENT VIDEO
More events added every month! If you'd like to host, organize or advertise an event near you,
please contact Luz or Brenda, of Riot of Roses Publishing House.
More events added every month! If you'd like to host, organize or advertise an event near you,
please contact Luz or Brenda, of Riot of Roses Publishing House.
MARCH 2026
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MARCH 4-6
THE 2026 AWP CONFERENCE: Xóchitl-Julisa Bermejo will be moderator for our SOMOS XICANAS panel "Échale Tu Canto." The "X" in Xicana is the vital confluence of past with future marked by our present voices. Somos Xicanas is an anthology that connects those represented with future generations in a call to liberate all, through the voices of over 80 contemporary Xicana writers “Échale tu canto al viento, pa’ que llega más lejos” editor, Luz Schweig writes in the introduction. Join this panel with the anthology’s editor, Luz Schweig, publisher, Brenda Vaca, City of Madison Poet Laureate, Angela C. Trudell Vasquez, and D.C. poet Dhalia Aguilar, to discuss from where those songs derive and just how far they can go.
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OCTOBER 2025
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25:
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THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL LATINO BOOK AWARDS, produced by Empowering Latino Futures awarded two individual medals of achievement to the Somos Xicanas anthology this year at Mira Costa College, in S.D. Ca: The silver medal for "The Dolores Huerta Best Cultural & Community Themed Book Award" and the bronze medal for "Best Women's Issues Book Award". Read the full press release from our publisher, Brenda Vaca here.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25:
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SAN FRANCISCO LIT CRAWL FESTIVAL will be hosting SOMOS XICANAS! Led by our publisher, Brenda Vaca, we will discuss the theme of “Xicanas for Tierra y Libertad” interweaving prose and verse from the book, with assertions on Xicana’s sacred and enduring relationship to ancestral lands, Indigenous concepts of land sovereignty, self-determination and the freedom to move across borders like Monarch butterflies.
Defying today’s political climate—ever intent on erasing us— our Xicana authors will deliver spirited dialogue centered around the role of Xicana literature in their fight for freedom. Featuring readings and discussions by Brenda Vaca, Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo, Diosa Xochiquetzalcóatl, Jesenia Chavez, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo and Natalia Rivas. |
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OCTOBER 1:
WISCONSIN BOOK FESTIVAL!
Join the Wisconsin Book Festival in virtual event celebrating Xicana Heritage with readings of resistance and resilience from Xicana authors who are invigorating the Xicana identity, culture and pride. Hear the authors of Somos Xicanas collectively assert their ancestral relationship to the land, and how place and landscapes shape us.
This virtual event features readings by the editor, Luz Schweig, and contributors Xánath Caraza, Isabella Santana, Erika Vallejo, Diana Pando, Amanda Rosas, Brenda Vaca and Madison's Poet Laureate, Angie Trudell Vasquez, who will be moderating the event on behalf of the Madison Public Library. Hear what it means to be a Xicana, in all its beautiful complexity, multiplicity and might, and draw inspiration from Indigenous authors who will not be silenced. Be a part of our movement, as Xicanas claim their legitimate presence upon the American Literature Landscape. |
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SEPTEMBER 2025
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21:
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THE CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Escondido, CA hosted a SOMOS XICANAS reading on Sunday, September 21st from 1 pm to 5 pm. It was part of the series of events hosted around the XICANAS! Exhibit curated by Dulce Stein. Presented under the theme “Colors of the Border: Art, Identity, and Connection,” this groundbreaking exhibition explores the role of art as a bridge between communities and a vessel for shared stories. With more than 200 works by over 100 artists, visitors encounter murals, photography, sculpture, and immersive installations that explore themes of migration, resilience, cultural heritage, and collective memory.
Participating in the reading were contributors Sonia Gutiérrez, Inez González Perezchica, Gaby Moreno (7 Octoberz), Natalia Rivas and Brenda Vaca. With a special Native land acknowledgement and blessing by Dr. Angélica M. Yañez. |
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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:
SANTA BARBARA CENTRAL LIBRARY hosted SOMOS XICANAS for an inspiring afternoon featuring powerful poetry readings by Lorna Dee Cervantes, Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Melinda Palacio, contributor and publisher Brenda Vaca, and poet Jesenia Ch́avez, celebrating culture, identity and community for Hispanic Heritage Month. The free event included a lowrider car showcase as part of the Raices y Sueños series! Ivania Montes , a reporter from the local Santa Barbara news channel, featured a segment on the event here.
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MAY 2025
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 28:
SANTA ANA COLLEGE will be hosting SOMOS XICANAS at their 2025 Poetry & Literature Festival, held at the SAC Outdoor Amphitheater! Come on out to enjoy poetry readings starting at 11:00 AM from contributors Brenda Vaca, Gaby Moreno, Marissa Cueva and Isabella Santana. (Organized by Donato Martinez)
Santa Ana College Outdoor Amphitheater 1530 W. 17th Street Santa Ana, CA |
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SATURDAY, MAY 17:
JAGUARLAND: Chicano Artist Ramon Ramirez hosted SOMOS XICANAS contributors Angelina Sáenz, Jesenia Chavez, Aideed Medina, Diosa Xochiquetzalcóatl and Brenda Vaca at his open studio for an evening of art, music, books and poetry!
2:00 to 8:00 PM |
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SATURDAY, MAY 10:
BEYOND BAROQUE'S WANDA COLEMAN THEATRE hosts SOMOS XICANAS in a celebration of asserting, exploring, and cultivating proud Xicana identities! Contributors from Southern California Briana Muñoz, Angelina Sáenz, Gaby Moreno, Dr. Irene M. Sanchez and Brenda Vaca will be reading selected works for an afternoon of poetry and prose. They will share a few of the varied lenses through which readers may appreciate the multiple layers of complex identities that make up what it means to be a Xicana, as expressed through the writings of Xicanas themselves.
Doors Open: 1:30 PM I Readings: 2:00 PM. Or watch the recorded event below! |
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FRIDAY, MAY 2:
LITFEST IN THE DENA : Authors from SOMOS XICANAS shared their personalized stories of what it means to be Xicana in this day and age. Contributors to the anthology discussed the Xicana character in literature, and how the characters in their writings confront the societal, cultural and internal conflicts, spelling out a world of multiplicity: multilingualism, multiculturalism and multidimensionality. Held from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church.
Pasadena Presbyterian Church In Playhouse Village 585 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA |
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APRIL 2025
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THURSDAY, APRIL 17th:
SJSU KING LIBRARY will be hosting "Somos Xicanas: Collective Voices of Resilience & Liberation" bringing together powerful writers sharing stories of identity, resistance, and cultural pride. This special reading & panel discussion features contributors Brenda Vaca, Rosanna Alvarez, Dr. Vicky Bañales, Dr. Laura Díaz Tovar, Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo and Sendy Tapia. This event was co-Sponsored by SJSU Chicana and Chicano Studies, and La Raza Historic Society of Santa Clara Valley In partnership with: Chicanx/Latinx Student Success Center, EASTSIDE Magazine, Citlali Rose, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. |
VIEW a recording of the event here:
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SUNDAY, APRIL 13th:
THE AMERICAN POETRY MUSEUM, in Washington D.C., in collaboration with Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL), together with Somos Xicanas ' contributor Dahlia Aguilar and museum chair and curator Sami Miranda, will be hosting the SOMOS XICANAS D.C. book tour! This free event will include an interactive "Celebration of Voices" poetry workshop and opportunity to connect with the authors, that will run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by poetry readings, a discussion panel and book signings featuring Dahlia Aguilar, Jesenia Chavez, Kelsey and Milian Lopez, from 3:00 to 4:45 pm. RSVP here please. The American Poetry Museum is located at: 716 Monroe St. NE #25 Washington, D.C. 20017 |
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THURSDAY, APRIL 10th:
THE WORLD'S BOROUGH BOOKSHOP, the only Ecuadorian NYC Owned Bookstore Por y Para la Comunidad in Queens New York, and owner Ardian "Book Papi", hosted a special event from 6:00 to 9:00 PM including drinks, refreshments, music, poetry readings and discussions by contributors Kelsey Milian and Dahlia Aguilar. The World's Borough Bookshop 3406 73rd Street, Queens, NY 11372 |
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MARCH 2025
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SATURDAY, MARCH 29th:
AWP at LA PLAZA DE CULTURA Y ARTES off-site reading from 2:00 to 5:00 pm featuring Lorna Dee Cervantes, Jennifer Yáñez-Alaniz, Victoria Bañales, Melinda Palacio, Rosanna Alvarez, Claudia Meléndez, Aideed Medina, Diosa Xochiquetzalcóatl, Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo, ire’ne lara silva, Sonia Gutiérrez, Dahlia Aguilar, Angelina Sáenz, Jesenia Chavez, Maria Miranda Maloney, Erica Castro and Brenda Vaca, founder of Riot of Roses Publishing House. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes 501 N. Main St., Los Angeles CA |
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SATURDAY, MARCH 15th:
CHICANO PARK MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER, in San Diego, together with Natalia Rivas and Sheldon Gilmer hosted a book reading and signing event, including refreshments and DJing by Fernando Lucero. Featuring readings by Gaby Moreno (aka. 7 Octoberz), Inez Gonzalez Perezchica, Sonia Gutierrez, Natalia Rivas, Diosa X, Brenda Vaca, and curator and editor, Luz Schweig. The event was held from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. 1960 National Avenue San Diego, CA 92113 |
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SATURDAY, MARCH 8th:
SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY READING at the Rosewood Library (East LA county): Council Chambers in the City of Commerce. at 11:00 am. Including an author panel featuring contributors Angelina Sáenz, Jesenia Chavez, Diosa Xochiquetzatcóatl, and Brenda Vaca. Followed by a catered lunch and live music. Organized by contributor Erica Castro, founder of Daxon Publishing. 5655 Jillson Street Commerce, CA 90040 |
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FEBRUARY 2025
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd:
MI VIDA will be hosting a poetry reading and book signings featuring our Somos Xicanas contributors Xochitl - Julisa Bermejo, Jesenia Chávez, Angelina Sáenz, Aideed Medina and Diosa Xochiquetzatcóatl, from 1:00 to 3:00. 5159 York Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90042 |
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21st:
XICANAS READING XICANAS and open mic event: "El Lenguaje de la Vida y la Rebeldía", at UTSA's downtown campus (San Antonio, Texas), hosted by Jen Yañez-Alaniz, who wrote the book's Foreword. From 6:00 to 8:30 pm, featuring readings from Somos Xicanas contributors Carmen Tafolla, Maria Miranda Maloney, Amanda Rosas, Amber Ortega and publisher and poet, Brenda Vaca. Refreshments and D.Jing to follow! UTSA Downtown Campus 501 West Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. San Antonio, Texas 78007 |
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20th:
WATSONVILLE'S POET LAUREATE DR. VICTORIA BAÑALES is hosting a reading and book signing featuring SOMOS XICANAS contributors Claudia Meléndez, Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo, Aideed Medina and Rosanna Alvarez at Watsonville 's Public Library (main branch) from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. |
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1st:
CHICAS DEL CIRCULO reading, signing and gathering at Judging by the Cover bookshop, 2:00 to 5:00 pm (Fresno, CA). Organized by Aideed Medina and Diosa Xóchiquetcoatl, and also featuring readings by Jessenia Chavez. |
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JANUARY 2025
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 25th:
DANZA AZTECA CITLALTONAC / INDIGENOUS CULTURAL CENTER hosts a Somos Xicanas reading and book signing at 1:00 pm, in Coachella, CA. Hosted by Gabriela Armenta, Co-founder of Danza Azteca Citlaltonac and Diosa Xochiquetzatcóatl. Also featuring readings by poet and publisher Brenda Vaca, Jessenia Chavez and Dr. Martha Rivas. 1030 6th Street #10 Coachella, CA 92236 |
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DECEMBER 14th, 2024 BOOK LAUNCH PARTY!
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XICANA! EXHIBIT On Saturday, December 14th, 2024 from 6:00 to 10:00PM, Riot of Roses Publishing House, in collaboration with ESMoA and El Camino College, hosted a book launch party at the XICANA! exhibit gallery of the museum, curated by Dulce Stein. Together, they brought to life the spirit of xochitl in cuicatl— flower and song — where creators shared their powerful narratives amidst stunning artistic expressions.
The event featured readings by Brenda vaca, Natalia Rivas, Isabella Santana, Diosa X, Erica Castro, Dr. Victoria Bustamante, Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo, Erica Casto, Marisa Cueva, Gaby Moreno / 7Octoberz, Christiane Williams- Vigil, Briana Muñoz and Dr. Martha Rivas. |
Photograph by Jorge Piñeda of Cultura Studios 78
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View our book launch party and listen to all the inspiring poets below curtesy of VikVega8.com:
OCTOBER 2024
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26th, 2024: LITCRAWL: San Francisco's 25th Literary Festival hosted a Somos Xicanas reading and panel titled "The Enduring and New Mujer" at Dog Eared Books, presided over by assistant editor, Scott Russel Duncan. The panel featured anthology contributors Blanca Torres, Elisabeth Jiménez Montelongo, Diosa Xochiquetzalcóatl, Natalia Rivas and publisher Brenda Vaca. Dog Eared Books 900 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 |
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