Five Ways to Celebrate Latin American Arts and Culture for Cinco de Mayo in Denver

Colorado owes a large part of it's heritage in the arts, culture, and landscape of our city to Hispanic tradition. Influenced in what we eat, drink, and the paintings and artistic endeavors we celebrate, Cinco de Mayo is the epitome of all that we hold dear. Here are the 5...

By Lindsey Bartlett

May 1, 2015

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Colorado owes a large part of its heritage in the arts, culture, and landscape to Hispanic tradition. Influenced in what we eat, drink, and the paintings and artistic endeavors we celebrate, Cinco de Mayo is the epitome of all that we hold dear. Here are five ways to celebrate Latin American arts and culture for Cinco de Mayo.

5. Cinco De Mayo Cultural Festival
Civic Center Park
The 28th annual Cinco de Mayo festival at Civic Center Park is the largest two-day Cinco de Mayo festival in the country. This year, it will welcome 400,000 patrons, to celebrate all the food, dancing, music, entertainment, and art that Colorado brings to the table. The Cinco de Mayo Festival reminds us that this is not just a day for drinking, but a day to celebrate the culture and history of a huge population of our state. Join in the fun May 2 and 3 at Civic Center Park, and catch the Cinco de Mayo parade May 2 at 10 a.m.

4. First Annual Berkeley Latino Culture Fest
Oriental Theater
4335 West 44th Avenue
The Berkeley neighborhood is changing, but one thing is for certain: the area has proud and deeply-rooted Latino and Hispanic culture that have shaped all of north Denver. Organized by the Westcloud Consulting and Jazz del Barrio, join in celebrating the Northside's history and culture on May 1 at the Oriental Theater. The concert event will feature Latin-American music, including Grammy nominated headliner Micky Cruz. The cost is $15 at the door.

3. Free Cinco de Mayo at Aurora Fox May 6th
9900 East Colfax Avenue
Aurora Fox
For an entire week of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, join the Colorado Folk Arts Council and Metropolitan State University of Denver at the Aurora Fox on Wednesday May 6 for a Cinco de Mayo dancing extravaganza. The CFAC will be displaying the dancing of Ballet Folklorico by prestigious Colorado dance group Fiesta. The showtimes are 10:30 a.m. and at noon; enjoy everything the beautiful Folklorico tradition has to offer.

2. Frida Kahlo's Agua Frescas Stand
10 West 14th Avenue Parkway
Denver Public Library
Fresh City Life is an amazing program brought to us by the Denver Public Library. They are giving away samples of agua frescas at the Acoma Plaza near the Central Library. You can also make your own buttons commemorating Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's most famous artists. The best part? It's free. Come join Fresh City Life Saturday May 4 from noon to 4 p.m.

1. Tequila, Comida, y Cultura at the Museo de las Americas
861 Santa Fe Drive
Museo del las Americas
Walking in the doors of the Museo de las Americas is a culturally stunning experience. For First Friday, the Museo is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Get the week started right with this homage to Hispanic artists. The Museo's current exhibition, Chicano, runs until May 29, featuring work by Carlos Fresquez, Delilah Montoya, Daniel Salazar and Francisco Zamora.

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Lindsey Bartlett is a writer, photographer, artist, Denver native and weed-snob. Her work has been published in Vanity Fair, High Times and Leafly, to name a few.

Contact: Lindsey Bartlett

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