FORT SMITH — The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith will celebrate the launch of the 2026 edition of Azahares, the university’s Spanish-language literary magazine, at 6 p.m. Thursday in the UAFS Boreham Library room 122.
The event will recognize student contributors published in this year’s edition and the design team that created the magazine’s cover art and interior design, according to a release from the university.
“Azahares is one of the signature programs of the World Languages Department, providing students and community members a literary space for writing and artwork centered on themes of the Latin experience,” the release states. “It is the only Spanish literary magazine in the region and features contributors from the university as well as across the United States, Spain, and Central and South America.”
The 2026 edition aims to highlight the voices, perspectives and artistic expression of the Spanish-speaking world.
“I was not expecting it at all, I never thought that my work would have been published,” said UAFS student Aislinn Martinez, whose poem was published in this year’s edition. “It gives students a voice. There is something very meaningful about seeing your words in print. Not everyone finds their voice in a classroom setting, and having something like Azahares creates a space for different kinds of expression. I feel lucky to have been a part of it.”
The name Azahares comes from the azahar, or orange blossom, a flower associated with the Spanish-speaking world and one that reflects the freshness of spirit and perspective the publication aims to capture, according to the release.
“I think it’s great that this magazine provides a creative space that really gives voice to the Hispanic population on campus,” Martha J. Cantu, a sophomore English major whose artwork “Flores en purpura” appears in the magazine, said. “It’s awesome that others can experience parts of Latin American and Spanish culture through this magazine that they might have otherwise never known about.”
Student contributors to the 2026 edition are Ashley Murry, Suhei Rivas, Cesar Brizuela, Jocelyn Soriano, Alexandra Aguilar, Aislinn Martinez and Martha J. Cantú.
The editorial team includes Athziri Romero, student editor; editorial board members Madeline Martinez, Ariana Caballero, Gray Langston; and Mary A. Sobhani, executive editor and head of the World Languages Department.
Designers for the 2026 edition are Graci Brasuell, Kaitlyn Fogo and Megan Hurd. Prof. Colin McLain served as supervising designer.
To help sustain the magazine, the World Languages Department is raising support during Day of Giving, which takes place April 28-29. Donors can set up a matching gift by visiting the Day of Giving page and selecting the designation “World Languages Initiatives.”
