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Magic and Reality

Magic & Reality webpage graphic

Many people who have visited countries in Latin America or the Caribbean describe them as “magical.” Certainly, magical realism is part of the region’s literary innovations, creatively transforming the horrors of colonialism, slavery, and its aftereffects into vibrant narratives of resilience. Moreover, the rich spiritual traditions of Amerindians blended with Christian and African-descended gods and mythologies to create unique festivals such as the Día de los muertos, Carnival, and Junkanoo. This year’s theme focuses on how residents of Latin America & the Caribbean (and their families living in North America), find magic, generosity, joy, and sustenance in life–even when faced with difficult realities like extreme inequality, uncertainty, violence, racism, and the dislocations of immigration.