Sept. 15 – Oct. 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. It begins on Sept. 15, because this is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico, Chile, and Belize also observe their independence during National Hispanic Heritage Month (on Sept. 16, 18, and 21). Given the pandemic and social distancing guidelines, you may be wondering how Denverites can celebrate Hispanic heritage in 2020. Here are some activities to help you connect with Latinx culture, history, and art.

Voces en Arte: History Colorado Artist Talks via Zoom

Free and open to the public, Voces en Arte (Voices in Art) presents well-established and up-and-coming artists in conversation about the importance of Native, Mexican, and Chicano art in Colorado. Denver Latino Cultural Arts Center founder Adrianna Abarca moderates the artist talks, which require registration. Featured artists include Daniel Salazar and Juan Espinoza on Oct. 6 and Emanuel Martinez and Victor Escobedo on Oct. 26.

Cafecitos: History Colorado Small Group Tours of Hecho en Colorado Exhibit

Currently showing at the History Colorado Center’s iconic Anschutz Hamilton Hall, Hecho en Colorado (Made in Colorado) honors the artistic achievements of the Hispanic community in Colorado. Register in advance for the Cafecitos small group tours on Fridays.

Doors Open Denver Virtual Tour of Museo de las Americas

Explore the museum’s history and collections with Executive Director Jared Katz, Mayer Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow for Art of the Ancient Americas at the Denver Art Museum. The virtual Doors Open Denver event includes a guided tour of the museum’s current temporary exhibition Rhythm and Ritual: Music of the Ancient Americas.

Hispanic Heritage Month Free Day at Museo de las Americas

In collaboration with Denver Public Library, Museo de las Americas presents a free day with tours and arts & crafts activities entirely en español. The Bookmobile will be there, full of Spanish books, movies, and magazines. To maintain social distance, you must register for this event. Free day is Oct. 10.

Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism Exhibition at Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) will present an exhibition exploring Mexican Modernism through paintings and photography, focusing on Kahlo and Rivera. The temporary exhibit will feature 13 works by Rivera, including Calla Lilly Vendor, and more than 20 by Kahlo, including seven self-portraits. Get tickets at DAM for the show, which opens on Oct. 25.

Día de los Muertos Celebration and Short Film Competition at Denver Botanic Gardens

Celebrate the Day of the Dead with online activities, Virtual Mercado, and related events and programs online. The virtual celebration will offer at-home fun for families, including downloadable coloring pages. For 2020, Denver Botanic Gardens is also sponsoring its first-ever Day of the Dead short film competition in any genre—fiction, documentary, animated, experimental. Film entries due Oct. 2. Check Denver Botanic Gardens in October for virtual Día de los Muertos events on Oct. 31.