Arts and Sciences | Community | Featured | StudentsApril 13, 2026

Azahares Launches April 16

Written By: Rachel Putman

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. April 16 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.

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. 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 Martínez, 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.”

Martha J. Cantú, a sophomore English major whose artwork “Flores en púrpura” appears in the magazine, shares the same sentiment.

“I think it’s great that this magazine provides a creative space that really gives voice to the Hispanic population on campus,” Cantú 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.”

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. 

Student contributors to the 2026 edition are Ashley Murry, Suhei Rivas, César Brizuela, Jocelyn Soriano, Alexandra Aguilar, Aislinn Martínez and Martha J. Cantú.

The editorial team includes Athziri Romero, student editor; Madeline Martínez, editorial board member; Ariana Caballero, editorial board member; Gray Langston, editorial board member; and Dr. 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, April 28-29. Donors can set up a matching gift now by visiting the giving page and selecting the designation “World Languages Initiatives.”