by Bianca L. Granado

Helping bridge borders is what the Border Book Festival has been doing since its foundation in 1995. New Mexico’s oldest book festival, offers a time of reflection and celebration as it encourages people to remember their roles as global citizens.

“The Border Book Festival, Inc. believes that literature and the arts can bridge the many boundaries racial, ethnic, generational, cultural, socio-economic and gender biased”that divide our community,” said Denise Chavez, Director of the Festival and Cultural Center of Mesilla.

This year the festival’s theme is “Remembering Who We Are” and will take place on Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22 in the Town of Mesilla.

Featuring a Trade Show, readings, panels and workshops, the Border Book Festival is for people of all ages. One of the highlights of the festival is “Poets Against War,” a reading on Friday that features the work of poets like Martin Espada, Sherwin Bitsui and Richard Selton.

The second annual children’s parade will take place Saturday morning. All children who participate in the parade will receive a free book. Other children’s activities include the Tent of Wonders, a family and children’s storytelling tent and activity area. Invited children’s authors include Mali­n Alegria, author of Estrella’s Quinceanera, Rene Colato Lai­nez, author of Loteria, and Monica Brown, author of My name is Celia, about the famous Celia Cruz.

Acclaimed author Sandra Cisneros will be featured at the Premio Fronterizo Gala on Saturday night. The Gala will also feature a concert by Perla Batalla following the reading. Tickets can be purchased for $75 per person or $125 a couple and includes a gourmet Gala dinner. Dress is formal.

Other featured writers include Reyna Grande, author of Across a Hundred Mountains, Sherwin Bistui, Navajo poet and recent winner of the Whiting Poetry award, Mexican poet Osvaldo Ogaz, and poet Selfa Chew, among others.

Writers Steve Breisner and Melinda Palacio will offer “Remembering Who We Are,” a family story writing workshop.

Fore more information about the festival or gala, contact the Cultural Center of Mesilla at 505-523-3988 or by email at bbf@zianet.com.

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