How to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 in Denver

National Hispanic Heritage Month, from Sept. 15–Oct. 15 each year, commemorates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The celebration begins each year on Sept. 15, the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also observe their independence days during this period.

Here’s how you can celebrate this rich tradition, history and culture in Denver during this special month. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Festivals

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Museum Exhibitions

Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today (thru Nov. 3, 2024)

Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today at Denver Art Museum is an interactive exhibition featuring three historical artworks, 17 contemporary seats designed by 22 Mexican artists, and a site-specific art installation. Through their pioneering designs, the artists embark on a journey through history and traditions, exploring the enduring legacy of the cross-cultural world that emerged in Mexico following the Spanish conquest, which incorporated elements of Indigenous, Asian, African and European cultures and continues to inspire new types of objects and furniture for the 21st century. Have a Seat showcases furniture by contemporary Mexican designers represented in the museum’s permanent collection, including Andrés Lhima, Cecilia León de la Barra, Daniel Valero, Bárbara Sánchez-Kane, Jorge Diego Etienne and many more.

Migrants, a Tale of Two Hearts (thru Jan. 26, 2025)

The journey of migrants to the U.S. is full of internal changes taking place in the physical body and mental state. This exhibit will explore the internal and external experiences of the immigrant who leaves home in search of a new and better life. See it at Museo de las Americas.

Arts of the Ancient Americas Galleries

The reinstalled Frederick & Jan Mayer Galleries showcase Denver Art Museum’s renowned Latin American Art and Art of the Ancient Americas collections through a presentation of more than 1,000 rare works that present the expansive history of artistic creation in Latin America. The breadth of these collections, among the most comprehensive in the United States, encompasses 3,500 years of art and culture, revealing trends, relationships and discontinuities between art created in the region.

La Misión

This semi-permanent exhibit at Museo de las Americas explores the artwork produced as a result of the Spanish monarchy sending priests (Padres) to convert the indigenous Puebloan residents of the Rio Grande River Valley. Housed in the Tragen Folk Art Gallery, it features roughly 20 unique pieces of art that date from the 17th Century to the present and explores the narrative of the peoples living in the Rio Grande River Valley. Featuring artwork from Museo’s private collection, the exhibit examines the visual language unique to the colonial artwork of New Mexico. The gallery has been made reminiscent of a mission church interior, to provide an appropriate space and context for the many Santos, retablos and other artworks in the exhibit.

Borderlands of Southern Colorado

Presented at History Colorado Center in English and Spanish, Borderlands explores the shifting geopolitical history of southern Colorado. This area framed by mountains and rivers is naturally conducive to unique and resilient forms of cultural connection. An international border crossed over the people in this region, changing their lives forever, when the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo moved a portion of the US–Mexico border from the Arkansas River—which flows through the middle of Colorado—down to the Rio Grande in 1848.

Food & Drink

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Music, Movies, Dancing & Performances

'I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter' (thru Nov. 3, 2024)

This vibrant and poignant adaptation of Erika L. Sánchez’s New York Times bestseller follows Júlia, a Chicago high schooler who is definitely not your perfect Mexican daughter. That’s her older sister Olga’s role. But everything in Júlia’s life weighs heavier after Olga dies in a tragic accident, leaving Júlia to manage her family’s grief and unravel the secret truth—that her sister may not have been so perfect after all. "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" is a love story to young Chicanas who, in trying to find the truth about the people and the world around them, end up finding themselves. See it at The Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Theatre.

Nanpa Basico (Nov. 3, 2024)

Nanpa Básico, an emerging artist from Colombia, captivates audiences with his unique blend of reggaeton and urban music. His catchy beats and introspective lyrics delve into themes of love, identity, and societal issues, resonating deeply with a diverse fanbase across Latin America and beyond. Nanpa Básico's raw talent and authentic storytelling continue to establish him as a rising star in the Latin music scene. See him at the Paramount Theatre.

Live music at Raices Brewing Company (Evenings in September/October 2024)

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, join Raices Brewing Company for an array of live Latin music and dancing from Chimbangle, Cultura Latin Trio, Joshua Trinidad, Miguel Soldevila, Orquesta La Brava and more.

Local Live Music at Sol Mexican Cantina (Every Tuesday from 5:30–8:30 PM)

At Sol Mexican Cocina in Denver's exciting Cherry Creek North neighborhood, visitors can experience Latino music by local artists in a beautiful setting inspired by Mexico’s Baja region. Enjoy the restaurant’s delicious food along with an incomparable ambiance, which includes an indoor-outdoor patio and fire pit.

Youth Events

Día de Muertos Exhibition (thru Nov. 5, 2024)

The free Día de Muertos exhibition returns to the Longmont Museum’s Swan Atrium this fall, featuring ofrendas (altars) built by community members and the work of local artists.

Dia De Los Muertos Art Crawl  (Nov. 1, 2024)

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with 40 West Arts! Experience the rich cultural traditions through stunning exhibitions, intricate altars and the dynamic performances of Aztec dancers. Enjoy the artistry of traditional Indigenous and Latino/a/x creators, savor delicious bites from authentic food trucks, and get hands-on at the craft stations. Don’t miss the chance to have your face painted and immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration. This free event is open to all ages, promising a memorable experience for the whole family.

First Friday: Dia de Muertos Celebration (Nov. 1, 2024)

Join Museo de las Americas for this "Day of the Dead" themed iteration of First Friday. Enjoy shopping amongst local artists and vendors, try tasty bites and cocktails from food trucks, see the exhibition, meet a fellow art-loving neighbor — oh, and did we mention the general admission is free?

Noche De Museo: Celebrating Day of the Dead (Nov. 2, 2024)

Head to Longmont Museum to enjoy an evening of live performance in celebration of Día de Muertos that will span the ages, from ancient Aztecan dance to the genre-bending rock and roll of iZCALLi. This annual community celebration of a centuries-old Mexican tradition has quickly become part of the cultural fabric of Longmont! Co-presented with the Longmont Multicultural Action Committee.

Mariposa Gala: A Celebration of Life, Death, and Art (Nov. 2, 2024)

Celebrate the Chicano Arts & Humanities Council and Día de los Muertos at the first annual Mariposa Gala. This festive event will feature dinner, entertainment, an art auction, the honoring of Lucille Ruibal Rivera’s legacy, and a recap of CHAC’s history and impact on the Denver community. Note: Calavera face paint and Catrin/Catrina costumes are encouraged!