- Marty Zimmerman
National Hispanic Heritage Month - Ways to Celebrate
Celebrated from September 15th through October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month is as an annual celebration of the history and culture of Latinx and Hispanic communities. The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15th was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five Central American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. During this month, we invite you to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions from these communities by honoring and recognizing how they have shaped our multicultural and multiethnic community today. In honor of this month, we invite you to take the time to read, watch, and participate in the many events happening throughout Colorado.
Events:
When: Sept. 25-26th
Where: Denver City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St
About: Created to honor the rich diversity in the Latinx community, Latin Fashion Week Colorado showcases the work of national and international fashion designers and artists. “Be ready to embark on a one-of-a-kind celebration of colors, textures, savors, and delights on and off the runway,” the event’s website boasts.
When: Oct. 2- Nov. 7
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street
About: In partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center, Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting a monumental sculpture by contemporary Mexican artist Óscar Becerra. Standing nearly 15 feet tall, this sculpture is an alebrije—a fantastical hybrid creature from Mexican folklore.
27th Annual Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival
When: Sept. 24-26th
Where: Historic Downtown; Pueblo/Union Avenue
About: The Chile and Frijole Festival was created to promote Pueblo’s rich agriculture and encourage our community, and region, to buy local fresh products at any of the numerous farm stands and specialty shops during the festival and year-round.
When: Friday, Oct. 1st activities begin at 6pm.
Where: Fort Collins Lincoln Center, 417 W Magnolia Street
About: Los Betabeloros honors the contribution of the Hispanic and Mexican beet workers, giving recognition to a forgotten people. Through personal oral histories, the life and working conditions of the beet workers are recognized and acknowledged. This film is dedicated to not only the past, but the present immigrant community that is still working the fields to put food on our table. These truly are The Hands That Feed.
When: Saturday, Oct. 9 from 11am - 3pm.
Where: Sugar Beet Park, 607 9th St.
About: The Hands That Feed will be a lasting memorial that recognizes and commemorates the many Hispanic and Mexican families that came to the region to work the sugar beet fields of northern Colorado.
When: Oct. 9 through 31, daily between 11 am. and 4 pm. (call to schedule a shopping appointment 720-353-2233)
Where: Hijos del Sol, 2715 W. 8th Avenue
About: Supporting Latinx and Indigenous creatives, Hijos del Sol expands the market for handmade Latinx artisan goods.
Smoking Mirrors: Visual Histories of Identity, Resistance, and Resilience
When: Oct. 15 – Feb. 26, 2022
Where: Museo De Las Americas, 861 Santa Fe Drive
About: Curated by the Chicano/a Murals of Colorado Project, the exhibit will honor the Colorado Chicano, a tradition of using public art and murals in service to the people and communities that are historically dehumanized and oppressed in U.S. society.