Larimer Square hosts Taste of Mexico on July 20 to 23, 2023, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Denver Sister City relationship with Cuernavaca, Mexico. Taste of Mexico guests can enjoy various events featuring Mexican and American talent and an extensive schedule of cultural activities, including language classes, live music, Sotol and Mezcal tastings, Lucha Libre, family-friendly crafts, celebrity chef dinners and a pop-up art gallery.
There will be a mix of FREE and ticketed events. Here are some of the ones that are free or worth shelling out some bucks.
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Pop-Up Art Gallery Opening: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. FREE
Celebrate the opening of the Taste of Mexico Pop-Up Art Gallery presented by Magpie Arts Collection and curated by Denver artist Moe Gram. The gallery will feature works by Victor Escobedo, Cal Duran and Diego Flores-Arroyo. The show will run through Sunday at 1417 Larimer Street.
Friday, July 21, 2023
Chalk Art by Randy Segura: FREE
Prepare to be captivated as Denver artist Randy Segura brings a 15′ x 15′ 3D chalk art masterpiece to life throughout the weekend. Watch in awe as the vibrant colors and intricate details come together, creating a beautiful illustration inspired by Mexican Talavera tiles.
Taste of Mexico Kick-Off Ceremony: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. FREE
Kick-off the highly-anticipated Taste of Mexico with entertainment by Mariachi Aguilas and esteemed speakers including city officials, representatives from Denver Sister Cities International, The Mexican Cultural Center and BOK Financial.
Lucha Libre: 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. FREE
Witness the electrifying action of a full-throttle Lucha Libre experience by the Rocky Mountain Wrestling Co. Plus, you can enjoy Patrón cocktails from the Osteria Marco patio bar! Register for FREE here!
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Kids Crafts with Crafty Chassis: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. FREE
The entire family is invited to get craft with the Crafty Chassis, Denver’s mobile art and crafts studio! Crafty Chassis will be offering fun hands-on colorful crafts for all ages to decorate a mini-sombrero or create a mini Ojo De Dios (God’s Eye) decoration. Free and open to all, space is limited.
Taste of Mexico Music Festival: Noon – 10 p.m. FREE
Enjoy live music by local Hispanic artists on the Larimer Square Pergola Stage, including Tamborazo Chikoteado from noon – 2 p.m., Gino Rael + The Mighty Nice Band from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., Banda Rockera La Negra from 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Lobo Hombre from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Deejay Guz from 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Adult Spanish Class: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. TICKETED
Esteemed teacher Martha Guadalupe Cline will share basic greetings, Spanish fundamentals and easy ordering phrases. Tickets are $15 each, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
Artist Panel: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. FREE
Through spirituality and genuine curiosity we are able to connect with our ancestors and develop deep connections to our roots. Diego Florez-Arroyo, Cal Duran and Victor Escobedo explore the relationships between ancestry and spirituality. Facilitated by Karma Leigh, the panel will dive into topics around resilience, power and joy through the use of familial language and the reimagined ancient iconography of their Mexican roots.
Sunday, July 23, 2023
The Taco Twist: Noon – 4 p.m. TICKETED
Sample a variety of unique tacos from participating restaurants, including Osterio Marco, Rioja, Tamayo, Ocean Prime, Bao Brewhouse and Kachina Cantina. Tickets are $35 per person, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
El Mercado: Noon – 4 p.m. FREE
A vibrant Larimer Square marketplace featuring 15 local Hispanic vendors showcasing their exquisite crafts, unique merchandise and one-of-a-kind art, along with facepainting and live music and performance by the Nueva Escuela de Música Banda from noon to 2 p.m. and Folklórico Sangre de Mexico from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the Pergola Stage.
Kids Spanish Class: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. TICKETED
Esteemed teacher Martha Guadalupe Cline will share basic Spanish greetings and a Spanish story time experience. Tickets are $15 each, with 100% of proceeds going to Denver Sister Cities International and The Mexican Cultural Center.
Here’s the full schedule of Taste of Mexico events and where you can buy tickets.