Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15. This national commemorative month recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors hailed from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts uplifts Hispanic voices onstage. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, will perform in the Kilstrom Theatre. The play, written by Isaac Gómez, is based on the award-winning novel of the same title by Erika Sánchez. In addition, the DCPA is proud to participate in Los Rockies Day at Coors Field on September 15, where Rosa Isabella Salvatierra, who portrays Júlia in I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, will sing traditional mariachi music.

There are many other ways to celebrate and commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Denver-metro area and across Colorado. The state has a vibrant tapestry of Hispanic cultures, cuisine, and history. By no means a comprehensive compilation, here are just a few offerings in the Denver area.

A Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration will be held at Anythink Library in Commerce City on September 14. This free, family-friendly event will include a performance by the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program, face painting, activities, food, and more.

If you’re a fan of Anythink Library, check its calendar for other events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. Here are a few to get started:

Spanish Storytimes – every Friday
Mariachi music by Los Dahlias – September 14
Casa Cultura – September 21
Vejigantes in partnership with the Museo de las Americas – September 23
Guatemalan worry dolls workshop – September 24
Family Lotería – September 25
Latin dance workshop – September 27
Youth cooking class, tostadas – September 28
Papel Picado workshop – October 1

Festival Latino will be held on September 15 at Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music from several artists, interactive art installations, and food. A fireworks display will take place after sunset.

Museo de Las Americas has curated an exhibit, “Anthony Quinn: What am I? ¿Qué soy?” As the first Mexican-American to win an Academy Award, Quinn inspired a lifetime of fans, especially those who saw themselves in him. Now, viewers can see Quinn as an artist, accompanying generations in their own journeys towards self-reflection and acceptance. Visit the museum before September 22 to view.

On September 26, the Colorado Symphony will present Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Americas in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center. This unique concert celebrates Latin culture’s influence on sound in the Americas, showcasing a fusion of traditional, classical, and contemporary music augmented by the Colorado Symphony’s soaring orchestrations.

The Chicano Humanities and Arts Council (CHAC) is exhibiting “Unapologetically Chicano” through September 28. This mixed media show curated by Rob and Tammy Yancey displays their artwork, their mixed ancestry and pride.

The Denver Art Museum has an interactive exhibition titled “Have a Seat: Mexican Chair Design Today” through November 3. Visitors are encouraged to sit on and move selected chairs and seats by Mexican designers, showcasing connections between modern design and ancient practices. In addition, the Latin American Art gallery presents over 1,000 rare works from Latin America, which is open year-round.

Denver Botanic Gardens presents Yo Soy, a platform for Latino cultural heritage through several exhibits and workshops. The art exhibit Calacas y Catrinas will be on display at the York location and several Aurora Public Library locations through October 20.

The Borderlands of Southern Colorado Initiative at History Colorado includes exhibits, programs, and experiences to showcase the stories that frame Colorado’s borderlands. This initiative is featured at the History Colorado Center in Denver, where the exhibit is presented in both English and Spanish.