The National Museum of Mexican Art has launched its 29th annual Sor Juana Festival, a multidisciplinary event series featuring Mexican and Mexican-American artists. The festival’s name honors 17th century Mexican nun, mathematician, writer and activist Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz.

Museum director of communications and development Thelma Uranga said the festival includes a “little bit of everything.”

“Book readings — we’re going to have Maria Hinojosa coming in later in April — performances, concerts,” Uranga said. “And we’re going to close out with a Selena tribute dance party [in May]. We really see it as a source of inspiration, especially for young people, to enjoy the many talents of women in the arts.”

On April 8, one of Chicago’s own writer-activists, Virginia Martinez, will be reading and talking about her children’s books as part of the celebration in a free, family-friendly event.

“I started writing a series that I call ‘Adventures with Abuela’ where I take my little grandson to different museums and zoo,” Martinez said. “The books are bilingual so that parents and grandparents can read to their children even if they don’t speak English. They’re beautifully illustrated, and they are also meant to encourage parents and grandparents to take their families to the wonderful museums and parks and zoos that we have in Chicago.”

The full slate of remaining Sor Juana festival events can be found on the National Museum of Mexican Art website.