LitFest in the Dena, Coming in May, Celebrates the Power of Neighborhoods Through Literature, Sets Submission Deadline

Pasadena’s vibrant literary scene will come alive again with LitFest in the Dena 2024, an annual celebration of literature and community, organized by the arts and education nonprofit Light Bringer Project.

The submission deadline for LitFest in the Dena 2024 is Sunday, Feb. 4, at 11:59 p.m. Interested participants can fill out the submission form available on the festival’s website, https://www.lightbringerproject.org/litfestpasadena.

LitFest in the Dena 2024 is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, at Cecil E. Bryan’s architectural masterpiece, the Mountain View Mausoleum in Altadena. The venue provides a uniquely inspiring backdrop for literary exploration.

LitFest in the Dena invites contributors to reflect on the significance of neighborhoods, both real and imaginary, as they discuss their own work and the books that have left an indelible mark on them. David Brooks of The New York Times suggests, “It could be that the neighborhood, not the individual, is the essential unit of social change…when you think in neighborhood terms, you see things previously rendered invisible.”

Presenters are encouraged to incorporate the theme of “Books that Made the Neighborhood” into their discussions, panels, readings, workshops, or literary experiences. The festival organizers suggest focusing on areas such as books that challenge common beliefs, books that shape collective thinking, and books that have personally transformed individuals. The goal is to unravel the rich tapestry of narratives that contribute to the identity and dynamics of neighborhoods.

The event is free and open to the public. For updates and additional information, visit the official LitFest in the Dena website at www.litfestpasadena.org.

Founded in 1990, Light Bringer Project has been at the forefront of fostering community through the power of arts and education in the greater Pasadena and Los Angeles area. The organization has received prestigious awards, including the League of California Cities’ Helen Putnam Award of Excellence in Public-Private Partnership and the Gold Crown Award from the Pasadena Arts Council.

Members of the organization are serving various sectors of the community, such as Tom Coston who served as one of the founding board members of Leadership Pasadena, and Patricia Hurley who continued Light Bringer’s participation on the board and as a coordinator for the annual Arts & Culture session.

Light Bringer also partners with other community organizations like Villa Esperanza Services and Day One, partnering on ArtNight Pasadena and other youth-empowering events.

To learn more about the organization, visit https://www.lightbringerproject.org/.