SEATTLE—The WAGRO Foundation is proud to announce the second International Spanish Poetry Festival, Voces del Alma, a multidisciplinary celebration of literature, healing, and cultural identity. The festival will be held on May 9, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the University of Washington’s Brechemin Auditorium. This event is an open and welcoming space for everyone interested in the power of words to build community.
This year’s festival marks a milestone in community arts and cinema, featuring the official debut of the Spanish-language poetry anthology Se Escribe en Español II. The collection showcases the evocative work of 23 poets representing diverse voices from Latin America and the United States.
A primary highlight of the program is a special screening of the documentary Voces del Alma. Produced by the WAGRO Foundation in collaboration with tecomate.lab, the film explores the Spanish language as both a refuge and a bridge for migrant communities in Washington State. Following its prestigious 2025 premiere at the Cineteca Nacional de México, this screening offers a powerful reflection on the transformative role of storytelling in the immigrant experience.
“Poetry is more than words on a page; it is a bridge between cultures and a profound tool for emotional healing,” says Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, Co-Founder of the WAGRO Foundation. “This festival honors the courage of community members who share their stories, proving that art is a universal language of belonging.”
Event Highlights:
- Literary Panels: Readings and discussions with international poets Blanca Vázquez (Mexico), Francisco Robles (Chile), and Mario Martz (Nicaragua).
- Symphonic Performance: A collaborative performance featuring Orquesta Northwest, Chilean soprano Soledad Mayola, and Professor César Peña.
- Cultural Celebration: Family-friendly art activities, traditional dance by Danza Azteca Yolihuani, and freshly prepared tamales.
This celebration is made possible through the visionary partnership of the Consulado de México en Seattle and the University of Washington, whose commitment to community engagement ensures that art and identity continue to flourish. The Foundation also extends gratitude to Latino Herald, Orquesta Northwest, and The Fat Brush Art Workshop.
Event Details:
- Location: Brechemin Auditorium, School of Music, University of Washington
- Date/Time: May 9, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Admission: FREE and open to the public.
Parking at School of Music’s Brechemin Auditorium
Enter the north end of campus (NE 45th Street and 17th Avenue NE), near the Burke Museum (Gate 2). When you stop at the gatehouse to pay (the evening rate is $7), tell the parking specialist that you’re going to a School of Music event. You’ll receive directions to the nearest lot and a parking permit. If the gatehouse is unattended, parking may be purchased at the self-pay kiosk at each public parking location or reserved and purchased through the PayByPhone app. (https://transportation.uw.edu/park/visitor/pay-by-phone-parking)
A non-reserved parking permit may be obtained at a UW gatehouse or self-pay kiosk is between 7 am to noon on Saturday, May 9. The fee is $7 until noon. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at all campus gatehouses and self-pay kiosks.
Gatehouse permits are sold via a pay-on-entry system. When you purchase a permit at a gatehouse, you’ll be asked how long you will be on campus, and you will pay for that amount of time in advance. Your permit will show an expiration time. After that time, the vehicle will be subject to a citation.
Complimentary parking is available on weekends from 12 p.m. on Saturday until 6 a.m. Monday morning in unrestricted lots.
Campus Map click here.
About the WAGRO Foundation
The WAGRO Foundation empowers Latino and immigrant families through education, cultural literacy, and community advocacy, creating environments where voices are heard, identities are honored, and communities thrive.
Author: Mario Lotmore
