Recognizing the need to provide avenues for expression, artistic sensibility, and holistic development for Mazatlán’s youth, the Municipal Institute of Culture, Tourism, and Art—led by Director General Oscar García Osuna—and cultural promoter María Muñiz (coordinator of the *Jueves Literarios* / “Literary Thursdays” program) announced the call for entries today at Casa Haas for the 2026 “Ramón Rubín” Unpublished Short Story and Poetry Reading event.
Part of the “New Voices” (*Nuevas Voces*) initiative within the *Jueves Literarios* program, this event aims to launch the first edition of a public reading gathering on October 29, with plans for it to become an annual tradition. This platform will provide a space for the municipality’s emerging writers; submissions must be original, unpublished works. The selection jury will use its expertise to identify texts generated by AI—which merely transmits data—as opposed to human writing, which conveys genuine emotion.
At a press conference, Oscar García Osuna reaffirmed the Mazatlán Institute of Culture’s commitment to serving as a driver of social change.
The official emphasized that the Institute’s work extends far beyond the port’s major traditional mass celebrations. The core mission of the culture department lies in sowing seeds within the community and positively impacting people’s lives.
“Culture is much more than Carnival. I never intend to diminish the value of tradition or the massive impact it has, but we need to cultivate the opportunities that exist. There might be ten or fifteen young people involved, but if we touch and inspire even just one of them, this effort will have been worth it,” he stated. Oscar García reaffirmed the commitment to extending cultural activities beyond traditional venues, as the institution strives to be part of the solutions required by Mazatlán society by fostering critical thinking and mental health. In this context, he noted that the call for new literary voices offers a path of hope for young people.
Culture and art as a means of social transformation
During the meeting with the media, María Muñiz emphasized the profound impact on a young person of feeling heard and valued by cultural institutions:
“A young person might not go on to dedicate themselves entirely to literature, but they will carry within their spirit the memory of having been heard, of having been attended to, and of the fact that a cultural institution valued their thoughts and feelings.”
With over 30 years of experience leading literature workshops for children and youth, Muñiz attested to how education and the arts shape upstanding citizens, committed professionals, and sensitive human beings. She underscored that nurturing the spirit is an essential tool for restoring the social fabric:
“We need to realize that life extends far beyond the clamor of difficult times. Nurturing the spirit is urgent for our community’s well-being. We have worked in streets, neighborhoods, and public squares, bringing workshops and books, because we firmly believe that education, art, and culture are what will ultimately transform the reality we no longer wish to live in,” she stated.
Call for entries details
Participation: Open to all young people aged 15 to 25 residing in the municipality of Mazatlán and its rural districts (*sindicaturas*).
Genres: Short story and poetry (unpublished works, open theme, maximum length of four pages).
Content guidelines: Texts must be handled with care regarding subject matter, adhering to principles against verbal violence and the glorification of crime. Submission deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the facilities of the Mazatlán Municipal Institute of Culture, Tourism, and Art (Av. Miguel Alemán #203, Col. Centro).
Presentation of “Nuevas Voces”: Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Casa Haas.
