New books aim to preserve historical memory in Mexico and Peru

Two new books have been presented to preserve the historical memory and identity of specific regions in Mexico and Peru.

In Sinaloa, Mexico, author Julio Villegas Leyva introduced “El canto de los ausentes” at the Museo Regional del Valle del Fuerte. The work commemorates the communities and families that disappeared following changes to the course of the Fuerte River. The book focuses on preserving the oral history and roots of places like Caposoya, aiming to ensure that the stories of those who lived and worked there remain part of the collective memory.

In Peru, author Carlos Chisán Orihuela presented “Los Muertos del Olvido” in Juliaca to mark the province's centenary. The book explores the evolution of Juliaca from its early inhabitants to its modern development in commerce and transport. Crucially, the work addresses the city's identity by remembering victims of significant historical events, including the incidents of January 9, 2023, emphasizing the need for justice and the preservation of human stories over mere statistics.