Featured Aug. 27 on Zoom

Las Vegas Lit’s August featured author is Ray John de Aragon, a native Las Vegan whose published works celebrate Hispanic history and culture in books that range from the spooky Eerie New Mexico to The Hidden History of Spanish New Mexico. The Zoom event is set for Sunday, Aug. 27, at 4 p.m. At the scheduled time, click here to join.

Aragon’s latest title, New Mexico Fiestas, A History of Music, Dance & Fandango, is a rich accounting of how New Mexico’s lively Hispanic cultural contributions have shaped the state and brought joy to many.

In his dedication, Aragon names numerous Hispanic men and women who influenced much of his writing. “They have all helped in building self-esteem and cultural pride among Hispanic students in New Mexico by instilling and preserving pride in Latino history emanating from New Mexico to the rest of the United States,” Aragon wrote.

That recognition of esteemed historians, family members, and cultural influencers is represented in New Mexico Fiestas, A History of Music, Dance & Fandango, through words – often presented first in Spanish followed by the English translation – and images.

In his Foreword, board president of the National Hispanic Cultural Center and former Las Vegas, N.M. mayor Matt Martinez wrote: “… Aragon’s work is important for many reasons. It tells our story of celebration, joy and hope. It supports Nuevo Mexicano music and performing arts. It details New Mexico’s fiesta history, traditions, culture and heritage for all to read, reflect on and appreciate. It graphically lays out colorful, fascinating and incredibly rich customs, explored in fine detail and liveliness, and presented in a way that we all can enjoy.”

New Mexico Fiestas, A History of Music, Dance & Fandango is a quick and enjoyable read full of fascinating facts about fiesta history and heritage and the traditions that mark them as unique and joyful.

Book Title: New Mexico Fiestas, A History of Music, Dance & Fandango

Author: Ray John de Aragon

Published by: The History Press

Price: $23.99
Available: Arcadia Publishing and Bookshop.org

Las Vegas Lit Featured Author Event: 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 27

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4635856164

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Sharon Vander Meer is an indie-published author of five novels, two chapbooks of poetry, and a freelance writer. She, along with Patti Romero, is a founding member of Las Vegas Lit. Read her sporadic blog postings at www.vandermeerbooks.com