Latin American Short Stories Reading Group with Lolita Hidalgo

VLACC is proud to partner for the first time with the Department of Latin American Studies at Langara College to present the next session of our Latin American Short Stories Reading Group. This evening will be facilitated by Professor Dolores “Lolita” Gambroudes Hidalgo, who will guide participants through two powerful short stories from Latin America:

1. “One of These Days” by Gabriel García Márquez
2. “The Pongo’s Dream” by José María Arguedas

Gabriel García Márquez’s “One of These Days” exposes the quiet brutality of authority through a tense encounter, while José María Arguedas’s “The Pongo’s Dream” uses Indigenous storytelling and satire to reveal the cruelty of colonial hierarchies. Together, these brief but powerful texts invite readers to reflect on oppression, resistance, and dignity in Latin America.

This gathering offers a welcoming space for thoughtful discussion, collective reflection, and connection through literature. No prior knowledge of Latin American literature is required — everyone is welcome.

The stories will be discussed in English, and both English translations and the original Spanish versions will be provided.

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Location: Conference Room at Britannia Community Services Centre (1661 Napier St, Vancouver, BC V5L 4X4).

Please read the stories in advance of the session.

Access the readings here:

This event will be photographed and filmed for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear in photos or videos, please let us know in advance by emailing [email protected].

About the Facilitator

Dolores “Lolita” Gambroudes Hidalgo is a professor in the Department of Latin American Studies and the Department of Modern Languages (Spanish) at Langara College, where she also serves as Coordinator of the Latin American Studies Department. With roots in Ecuador, Lolita has traveled, studied, and worked extensively throughout Latin America and Spain—regions that continue to inspire and shape her personal and academic life.

Her specializations include Latin American literature, sociolinguistics, and Indigenous topics of the Andean region. She teaches a wide range of courses exploring the Hispanic world, including Latin American art as social change, politics and history, anthropology, and culture. Lolita also teaches all levels of Spanish and is deeply passionate about sharing her language and cultural heritage.

In partnership with the Department of Latin American Studies at Langara College

With the support of Britannia Community and Services Centre.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher VLACC