Los Angeles Boricuas, poetry and bomba are coming together in the San Fernando Valley this December. Palabras y Ritmos Caribeñxs will celebrate the Los Angeles release of My Lower East Side Poetry Story at Taxco Theatre in Canoga Park on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 3 to 6 p.m.
Poetry, Bomba And Community
Presented by the Frank Velgara Valentín Poetry Book Committee, the afternoon honors the late Afro-Puerto Rican poet Francisco “Frankie” Velgara Valentín and his recently published book. The organizer’s announcement brings together poetry readings, live bomba and a Boricua food pop-up for a community celebration of his work.
Mayda Del Valle and HecVortex are the featured poets. The bomba lineup includes Bomba Liberté, Bombera de la Bahía, Batey Tambó, Taller Bula and Taller Kurubina. The flyer highlights artists coming from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego and Chicago.
Wepa Pal Mundo will offer the Boricua food pop-up. A menu and food prices have not been included in the announcement.
The Book And The Celebration
Copies of My Lower East Side Poetry Story will be available for an optional $10–$20 purchase. The committee says book sales will support its grassroots, community-centered 2027–2028 book tour across the United States, ending in Puerto Rico.
For Puerto Ricans around Los Angeles County, the gathering offers a chance to hear poetry, enjoy live bomba and connect with artists from several California communities in one afternoon.
Event Details
Event: Palabras y Ritmos Caribeñxs: Celebrating L.A.’s Book Release of My Lower East Side Poetry Story
Date: Saturday, December 12, 2026
Time: 3–6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
Venue: Taxco Theatre, Canoga Park, Los Angeles
Presented by: Frank Velgara Valentín Poetry Book Committee
Admission and RSVP: Admission is free, and no RSVP is needed. Books are available for an optional $10–$20 purchase. For event updates, check the official event post or contact the committee at mylowereastsidestory.fvv@gmail.com.
Find Taxco Theatre
Taxco Theatre
7242 Owensmouth Avenue
Canoga Park, CA 91303
The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs’ venue page confirms the Canoga Park address and lists street parking only. For venue or accessibility questions, contact dca-taxcotheatre@lacity.org.
More From CaliRicans
Looking for more Puerto Rican arts and community events in California? Explore the CaliRicans Event Calendar and share this afternoon with someone who enjoys poetry or bomba.
Details checked October 28, 2026, against the organizer’s October 27 announcement, its earlier save-the-date post and the official Taxco Theatre page. Updated October 29 with the organizer’s confirmation of free admission, no RSVP requirement and book-tour details. Programs and availability can change; confirm with the organizer before traveling.
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