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Yo Soy

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Latino cultural heritage through our Yo Soy series, featuring a diverse array of onsite and offsite experiences celebrating art, culture and community.

Onsite and Offsite

Calacas y Catrinas

September 13 – October 20
Denver Botanic Gardens
Included with admission, except where noted as free admission

Calacas y Catrinas celebrates Mexican culture and the artistic traditions of Día de los Muertos while honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed. To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 20), Denver Botanic Gardens is exhibiting a collection of calacas (skeletons) and catrinas (elegant skeletons satirizing high society) created  by Los Angels artist Ricardo Soltero and hand-painted by Colorado Latinx artists.

Featured Artists and Locations:

Boettcher Memorial Center

  • Fortaleza Familiar: “La Catrinx” 
  • Cindy Loya: “Sin Mujeres no hay Revolución” 
  • Xencs: “El Regreso” 
  • Maribel Arredondo: “La Muerte tiene color, no dolor”
  • Fortaleza Familiar & Cal Duran: “Re-membering”

Gates Court/Ming Bridge

  • Lizeth Hernandez: “Adelita”
  • Museo De Las Americas: “Vita De Los Muertos”
  • Alejandra Huerta: “Sweet as Honey”
  • Sammiotzi: “Healer”
  • Adrian Raya: “Grande”
  • Lizeth Hernandez: “Ni Una Mas”
  • Chelsea Lewinski: “Alfonso”

Freyer – Newman Center Upper Atrium Balcony

  • Sammiotzi: “Skull with Magic Mushrooms”
  • Maribel Arredondo: “pegame pero no me dejes”
  • Javier Flores: “La Muerte Memento”
  • Chelsea Lewinski: “Rosalie”
  • Adrian Raya: “Anochecer”

Freyer – Newman Center Lower Atrium

Free admission

  • Javier Flores: “Antepesados”
  • Julio Mendoza: “La Semilla de la Cultura es Sembrada desde el Vientre”
  • Artmando: “Candela”
  • Museo De Las Americas: Tonatuih

Freyer – Newman Center Nook (by Copper Door Coffee Roasters)

Free admission

  • Cal Duran: “Golden Dream of Our Ancestors”
  • UC Sepia: “Return to the Universe the Road to Awe” 

Classes & Workshops

Yo Soy: Calacas y Catrinas with Aurora Public Library

September 15 – October 20
Various Aurora Public Library Locations

View stunning, larger-than-life paper-mâché variations of La Catrina, created and hand-painted by artist Ricardo Soltero. The iconic “Grand Dame of Death” reminds us to celebrate life and embrace mortality.

Presented in partnership with Aurora Public Library.
 

Yo Soy: Altares y Ofrendas

September – November
Soccer City Aurora
15960 East Colfax Ave
Aurora, CO 80011

Presented in partnership with Soccer City Aurora and artist Cal Duran, Yo Soy: Altares y Ofrendas is a community altar display that celebrates the traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), inviting the public to honor the memories of their departed loved ones. The altar is designed as a shared space for reflection, remembrance and celebration

The Colorado Soccer Foundation owns and operates Soccer City Aurora, a community soccer facility located on East Colfax Avenue. The mission of the Colorado Soccer Foundation is to make the game accessible to all kids who want to play.

Día de los Muertos Celebration

Remembering Our Ancestors Through Art

Saturday, Oct. 26, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Civic Center Park
Free admission

Día de los Muertos celebration will not be happening at the Gardens this year. Instead, we are sponsoring the Día de los Muertos celebration at Civic Center Park. Here is more information about the celebration.

Trips and Travel

Magical Mexico: Mexico City, Monarch Butterflies and Valle de Bravo

January 25-31, 2025

Experience millions of butterflies in the montane cloud forests of central Mexico and explore vibrant Mexico City. Get full details and registration information. 
 

COMMUNITY PARTNERS
WITH SUPPORT FROM
Aurora Public Library logo
SPECIAL THANKS TO

FAQ

What is the Yo Soy event series and when does it take place?

The Yo Soy event series is a curated collection of immersive experiences, workshops and activities that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Latino community. Yo Soy events and experiences will be throughout the year. 

How is Yo Soy different from previous Día de los Muertos celebrations?

Yo Soy is an expansion of our traditional Día de los Muertos festival, offering a variety of onsite and offsite experiences that provide a deeper and more comprehensive celebration of Latino cultural heritage.

Why is Día de los Muertos not happening at the Gardens?

After 12 years of Día de los Muertos celebrations at the Gardens, we are shifting our focus and launched a new series, Yo Soy, that continues to uplift and celebrate Latino cultural heritage at the Gardens and throughout the Denver area.

Are there Yo Soy events outside Denver Botanic Gardens?

Yes, the Yo Soy series includes offsite events in partnership with various organizations, including art exhibitions and displays celebrating Día de los Muertos traditions. There will not be Yo Soy programs at Chatfield Farms.

Are Yo Soy programs free?

Some programs will be included with admission unless otherwise noted.

Can I volunteer at Yo Soy programs?

Yes, we welcome volunteers who are passionate about promoting cultural heritage. You can find information about volunteering opportunities on this page closer to the event dates.

Can I participate in the Yo Soy series as an artist or vendor?

We welcome collaborations and partnerships. If you're interested in contributing to the series, please email community@botanicgardens.org.

How can I stay updated on Yo Soy events and activities?

You can stay informed about the Yo Soy series by visiting this page, subscribing to our e-newsletter and following our social media channels for the latest updates and announcements.

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