Sor Juana Festival 2026

March 21 – April 29, 2026

The National Museum of Mexican Art presents the 32nd annual Sor Juana Festival, honoring one of Mexico’s greatest writers, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. A 17th-century Mexican nun who valued and fought for a woman’s right to education, Sor Juana was a celebrated playwright, mathematician, and poet in her own time and continues to inspire women to this day. Through this unique festival, we celebrate the legacy of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and pay tribute to the rich artistic accomplishments of women from across the globe.

 Continuing Sor Juana’s enduring legacy, the 2026 Sor Juana Festival reflects on the power of knowledge as both liberation and protest. This year's theme, “Knowledge as Resistance,” honors women who continue the fight for access, equality, and justice; highlighting first-voice activists, educators, community leaders, and artists who use their platforms to lead the way at a time when women’s rights face growing challenges across borders. Through their words, art, and action.

Since its founding in 1994, the Sor Juana Festival has remained unique in its scope and focus. The festival has presented high-profile artists such as Angélica Aragón, Vikki Carr, Lynda Carter, Ana Castillo, Sandra Cisneros, Elena Poniatowska, Ely Guerra, and Julieta Venegas.

Sponsors:

Paul M. Angell Foundation   
Chicago Park District
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The Joyce Foundation
Illinois Arts Council