Engage with Denver’s rich Latine heritage and culture during your visit.

Nearly a decade ago, I booked a couple of flights to Denver for an anniversary trip with my spouse. At 5,280 feet in altitude, landlocked, with proximity to mountains, breweries galore, and legalized cannabis, it felt like the antithesis of my hometown of Miami. We loved it so much that just two months later, we packed up our belongings into my Subaru (the unofficial car of Colorado) and drove cross-country with our son to start over in the Mile High City. I loved living in a walkable neighborhood and experiencing seasons beyond “wet” and “dry” for the first time ever, but moving to Denver was also a rude awakening when it came to leaving my former heavily Latine bubble in Miami. 2020 census data puts Denver at 29% Hispanic, a stark contrast from Miami’s 70% majority. Having grown up among the diaspora of Nicaraguans, Cubans, Colombians, Venezuelans, Dominicans, Haitians, Peruvians, Brazilians, and then some, I felt… lost. Suddenly, I couldn’t get my usual comfort foods, or practice my less-than-perfect Spanish as part of my day-to-day. And I had no idea where to start seeking community. Thankfully, with time, I’ve since learned that Denver does have a rich Latine community—you just have to know where to look. Drive around areas like Westwood, the Northside (i.e. what some now call “The Highlands”), Barnum, Montbello, East Colfax, and others, and you’ll see plenty of signs. Chicanos and other peoples of the Latine diaspora have been here a long time (many for even longer than Colorado has been a state). And the diversity within the community seems to be growing before my very eyes. It’s apparent to me now that mi gente are out here. This guide is a primer for the plentiful Latine-owned businesses, events, and cultural spaces in and around the metro Denver area.

“We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us,” is a well-known protest chant among Chicanos and immigrant rights activists, including here in Colorado, and there’s a reason for that. Long before Denver or even Colorado existed, this land belonged to the Ute, Arapaho, Crow, and Cheyenne, among others. Then, Spanish colonizers arrived as early as the late 1500s, leading to the creation of Mexico. At the time, this included modern-day Texas as well as parts of Colorado. After the Treaty of Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War, the US acquired over half of Mexico’s land, including southwest Colorado. And while the terms of the treaty included respecting the rights of Mexican settlers, this often wasn’t the case (and meanwhile the Indigenous people of the area such as the Utes lost even more of their land and rights). By the 1870s and beyond, the creation of railroads changed things even further in Colorado, bringing in an influx of English-speaking settlers, along with Latines to work mines, steel mills, and in agriculture. Fast forward to the early 1900s and much of the area’s Latine population moved their families into the cities, including Denver. By the 1960s and ‘70s, the Chicano movement began to gain momentum, with the help of notable organizers like César Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Workers protested for better working conditions, students marched to call out systemic racism, and organizations formed to raise the status of Latines throughout Denver and beyond. Prominent Latines rose out of this movement, including: Federico Peña, mayor of Denver from 1983-1991; Rudolpho “Corky” González, founder of the civil rights organization Crusade for Justice; and Polly Baca, who was the first Latina woman to co-chair two Democratic National Conventions and the first Latina elected into the Colorado State Senate. Colorado’s storied past still influences the Latine community here in Denver. You see it through the large number of Latine-led social justice organizations like Servicios de la Raza, COLOR Latina, CLLARO, and the Mi Casa Resource Center; as well as in murals that celebrate the community, seen in areas like Confluence Park, on the Westside, and all around the city.

Operating since 1991, Museo has long been a special place for Denver’s Latine community, with rotating exhibits and special events year round, including monthly participation in First Fridays in the Santa Fe Arts District. The first exhibit I ever saw at Museo was “Pachucos y Sirenas” in 2018, which featured stunning artwork honoring the legacy of the Pachuco subculture of the 1930s and ‘40s. I remember how excited I was to find a museum in town dedicated to Latin American and Latine arts and culture. I even enrolled my son in the museum’s summer camp, in which local children have the opportunity to learn about a different Latin American country and culture each year. “We’re committed to illuminating stories that have been historically overlooked or marginalized, bringing them to the forefront of cultural discourse,” says Cristina Del Hoyo, communications and media manager at Museo. “By doing so, Museo ensures that our Latine community is not just seen and heard, but also celebrated.”

Located inside the former Denver Civic Theater and just a few blocks south of Museo, Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center is hard to miss, given that its walls are covered in colorful murals celebrating Denver’s Chicano roots. But it’s what lies inside those painted walls that’s made it such a beloved institution. Su Teatro originally began as a student-led theater group at the University of Colorado, and has evolved over the past 50 years to become a place where the community can gather to enjoy Latine theater, film, and concerts. Among the arts center’s many accomplishments is the annual XicanIndie Film Fest celebrating Chicano films, as well as the production of over 15 original plays that have toured all around the country.

Formerly known as the RISE Westwood Collective, this neighborhood organization works to bring together the local Latine and BIPOC community, and their businesses, to thrive—particularly in the face of gentrification. Among the organization’s culturally enriching events are La Noche de Frida (an evening dedicated to all things Frida Kahlo), the Saigon Azteca Night Market (blending Latine and Asian culture through song, dance, food, and art), el Festival del Mole (celebrating the traditional Mexican dish), and Muertos en Westwood (a multi-day gathering for Día de los Muertos).

The Latino Cultural Arts Center (LCAC) is one of Denver’s largest non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting the intersection of Latinidad and the arts through exhibitions, events, workshops, and more. From mariachi festivals to multi-week ofrenda (altar) workshops for Día de los Muertos, I love attending these events to gain a deeper connection to my own Mexican roots. The arts center also runs a beautiful shop called Hijos del Sol, where it sells handcrafted gifts from dozens of shops all around Latin America.

CHAC is the Centennial State’s longest-running Latine nonprofit arts organization dedicated to preserving artwork from within the community. While CHAC Gallery on Santa Fe is closed for renovations, CHAC @ 40 West outpost in Lakewood is going strong, showcasing the work of local Latine and Chicano artists while also serving as an educational space for the community.

Denver is known for leaning into all things metaphysical, and the best way to embrace that is to visit a spiritual and ritual supplies shop like Alchemy. The shop is co-owned by three Indigenous women—two of whom identify as Latine as well. Pick up all the candles, incense, tarot cards, tea blends, jewelry, and more you need here, or indulge in some of the shop’s programming: “We offer several BIPOC specific services including our sound baths and yoga-class,” says co-owner Lalania Simone.

Nadia MacKinnon has been running this buy-sell-trade fashion resale store since January of 2021. Since then, the shop has grown from a one-woman show to a fully staffed neighborhood success, voted Best Vintage Shop by our local alt-weekly Westword in 2023. Pop in and find anything from gently used crochet tops to retro graphic tees, a “Where’s the beef?” hat, and more treasures.

Duendes Tejidos (which translates roughly to “knitted elves”) is a pop-up small business run by Colombian sisters Nancy Zamora and Monica Josephson. The artisan shop sells everything from knitted hats, scarves, and mittens to gorgeous beaded earrings and more at a number of locations all around town including Ruby’s Market at South Pearl Street and Bahn & Butter Bakery Cafe in Aurora.

I first found Abuelita’s Tiendita at a fall festival event and quickly snatched up a couple of calaveras (decorative skulls) and a nicho (colorful shadowbox) for my ofrenda. But the shop now has a permanent spot at the Heirlooms Antiques Mall in Aurora, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Denver. “We love to know that through our shop, many people here in Denver will have a little piece of Mexico to brighten up their homes,” says owner Azul Rivera.

Whether you’re looking to keep up your fitness routine while traveling, or simply want to try a new kind of class, this Uptown favorite is, well, worth it. Founded by Latina Gladys Santiago and her wife Emily Stork, this inclusive and independently owned gym goes beyond boxing and includes classes in strength training, HIIT, and more. Santiago also hosts the relatively new and free-to-join Thick Thighs Run Club, which aims to make running more accessible to slower and newbie runners (like myself).

At Bright Soul Wellness, Mexican-American Laura Moreno offers a slew of services for Denverites (and visitors) looking to enhance their general well being on a one-on-one or small group basis. Among Moreno’s offerings are private yoga classes, energy work, guided meditation, cacao ceremonies, and somatic food experiences focused on Mexican cuisine and featuring Indigenous ingredients.

Guatemalan-American Vivi Lemus and her business partner Kristin Lacy are the co-owners behind this Guatemalan-inspired, bilingual coffee shop. Sip on coffee and espresso-based drinks, or try more unique offerings like Chocolatados (made with chocolate from Cultura Craft Chocolate—another Latine-owned shop in town) and Picositas, as well as frijoles con plataninas and champurradas (traditional Guatemalan cookies). Lemus and Lacy also host community-building events, like Bilingual Family Nights where folks can learn about different Latin American countries and cultures through interactive activities for all ages. When asked what they love about Denver’s Latine community, Lemus and Lacy say, “We have so many things that unite us beyond language and cultural identity, and yet we are so diverse with different traditions, flavors, roots. It’s the beautiful diversity of our community in Denver that makes us strong.”

I was walking around downtown Denver years ago when I first found the La Chiva food truck. At the time, I was excited to finally track down an empanada that would remind me of being back in Miami. But luckily for empanada lovers like me, Jorge and Carmen Aguirra, who started the food truck back in 2014, finally opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in 2017. I highly recommend their Bandeja Vegetariana (a veg-friendly version of a traditional bandeja montañera plate), which includes everything from sweet plantains and patacones (fried plantains), to arepas and more.

As of 2023, the Aguirras have expanded their operation beyond La Chiva, opening LaTinto Café just across the street. Here, you can pick up yummy Colombian-style breads and pastries like tequeños, buñuelos, and cachitos, plus a variety of coffee drinks. “Latin America has so many beautiful things to offer, and our food is so rich and diverse,” says Jorge. “There is no better way to share our culture.”

I love to walk to this craft microbrewery and taproom, which is run by Mexican-American Javi Pérez and his wife Jennifer Pérez. “Being hospitable and service oriented comes naturally to me, thanks to the example set for me by my super Mexican mom,” says Pérez. “She was never too tired, or stretched too thinly, to invite someone into our home for a meal, or to stay a while if they needed that level of kindness. She taught me that practicing compassion and being generous with everyone was fundamental to our Latino culture.” Cheluna has a wide range of brews on offer, from Chupa Guava Blonde Ale and Lowrider Mexican Lager to a refreshing Chilango Mango Habanero Hefeweizen. Since the brewery is located inside the Stanley Marketplace, you can also pick up some Argentinian-style empanadas at Maria Empanada, another Latine-owned business, while you’re there.

This brand new coffee shop recently popped up on East Colfax, and I am absolutely delighted with it. Run by Uruguayan-American Elisa García and her Mexican husband Leonardo Munoz-Corona, VIVA! is gaining a reputation for unique beverages, like the Café Lechero (espresso and kettle-heated milk poured from up high to make the drink frothier and more flavorful) and Café de Olla (made with cinnamon and sugar).

One of the most popular drinking spots in town, Raíces is an award-winning brewery and taproom near the Sun Valley neighborhood, a hop, skip, and jump from Empower Field at Mile High (where the Broncos play). They’ve got a beer for every palate, from their imperial blonde ale Cafecito (yes, it has coffee) and Reunión weizenbock, to the Soñando Despierto hazy IPA—because this is Denver, after all. Folks love this spot for more than just the beer though—the sense of community is strong here, thanks to events like Spanish club, Sábados Bailables (dance nights), Brewery Bootcamps, and more.

Dana Rodríguez is one of the most notable chefs in town. Nominated half a dozen times for a James Beard Award, Rodríguez is the brilliant mind behind Work & Class, a high end establishment serving Latin and American dishes via a seasonal menu. Pork carnitas, peppercorn brisket, blue corn empanadas, and butterscotch pudding are among its current mouthwatering offerings.

For more Latin American fare, try Super Mega Bien, Rodríguez’s other venture co-owned by executive chef Victor Mena and Jenn Mena-Wenstrom. Here you can really indulge in a wide array of flavors, from Peruvian leche de tigre ceviche to Cuban ropa vieja, Brazilian churrasco, and more. In addition, you can order your fill of Latin-inspired cocktails like Chicha Morada and a mezcal Old Fashioned. “My deep love of the culinary part of Latin culture, which is maybe the number one thing that defines our culture, is something that we put a lot of time and energy and heart into,” says Mena. “Because of this passion, the Denver food scene now has so many Latin chefs and restaurants that tell stories of who we are and where we come from.”

Denver has no shortage of neverias (Mexican-style ice cream parlors), but if you only have time for one, head to Neveria Bule Bule. Named after the song “Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, this neveria on Morrison Road is retro-themed, complete with a classic Chevy as part of the cash counter and an Elvis statue sitting atop a shelf of to-go snacks. But apart from the impeccable vibes, the menu is to die for, with rich and creamy malteadas (milkshakes) in flavors like galleta María and mazapán, paletas (popsicles), raspados (shaved ice), tamales, and more.

This Central American-inspired food truck brings me so much joy. Created by Honduran-American Chef Diana Flores, Gallo Pinto serves up health-conscious street food, with several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. During my last visit, I had the Pura Vida (a rice-and-bean blend with sweet plantains, veggies, and a tasty avocado sauce), which I highly recommend.

Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Marcia Ovalle and her husband John are the owners of this Washington Park Airbnb duplex that’s perfect for a couple, traveling friends, or a small family of three. Ovalle loves the “gingerbread house-esque” look and feel of this neighborhood, not to mention the proximity to downtown. But guests staying here can also enjoy a quick walk to shops and restaurants on Broadway and Alameda, several supermarkets, public transit (including a bus and train station), as well as Washington Park itself, one of Denver’s largest green spaces.

Built in 1926, this charming Airbnb in the Alamo Placita historic district (part of the Capitol Hill neighborhood) is owned by Mexican-American Alfonso Torres, and co-hosted with two others. Torres has been hosting people in the home since July of 2022. This basement-level apartment has one room but can sleep up to four guests, and features an office, kitchenette, laundry area, and even a backyard.

While Cinco de Mayo isn’t heavily celebrated in much of Mexico, Denver’s Chicano community has been putting together one of the largest Cinco festivals in the nation since the 1970s. The celebrations began in Larimer Square, then moved into the Santa Fe Drive area before eventually settling into Civic Center Park. The annual festival, which is focused around May fifth but actually begins on the fourth, now boasts crowds in the hundreds of thousands (though some say up to as much as 400,000), making it an event worth attending.