Yo Soy
For more than a decade, the Gardens highlighted the rich and diverse cultural history of the Latino community through Día de los Muertos celebrations, including a large-scale festival. The festival retired in 2022 to make way for a new endeavor: Yo Soy.
Translating to "I am" in Spanish, this curated series serves as a platform to showcase the multifaceted aspects of Latino cultures, both locally and globally. Onsite and offsite programming incorporates art exhibits, workshops, online activities and elements extending into the community to offer broad access for all ages.
Through Yo Soy, the Gardens creates new connections to the past and continues to celebrate Latino heritage in innovative and meaningful ways.
Check back soon for more details.
Onsite
Family Workshop: Miniature Nichos / Taller familiar: nichos miniatura
Museo de las Americas presents Miniature Nichos at Denver Botanic Gardens. Cartonería (papier-mâché) is a form of Mexican folk art used to create
Onsite and Offsite
Yo Soy Arte: Calacas y Catrinas
September 15 – November 5
Denver Botanic Gardens and Aurora Public Libraries
This captivating exhibition celebrates Mexican culture and the artistic traditions of Día de los Muertos. Coinciding with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the exhibition brings to life the calacas (skeletons) and catrinas (elegant skeletons satirizing high society) found in Mexican traditions.
The unique approach Mexicans take toward death—cheerful and festive—is showcased with larger-than-life paper-mâché catrinas created by Los Angeles artist Ricardo Soltero and calacas hand-painted by Colorado Latinx artists.
Find calacas on view at Denver Botanic Gardens (included with admission) and catrinas on view at Aurora Public Libraries.
Grab a passport at any Aurora Public Library (APL) location and collect stamps at each location. Visit all locations to complete your passport. The first 40 people to return their completed passport to any APL branch will get a pair of general admission tickets to Denver Botanic Gardens’ York Street or Chatfield Farms locations. Completed passports are due Monday, November 6, and all will be entered for a chance to win tickets to Trail of Lights at Chatfield Farms and Sunset Wagon Tours at Plains Conservation Center. The winners will be selected on November 9.
FAQ
Is the Gardens’ hosting a Día del los Muertos event this year?
The one-day Día de los Muertos celebration will not take place. Instead, we are launching a new series, Yo Soy, that celebrates Latino cultures throughout the year.
Are Yo Soy onsite programs free?
Some programs and art exhibits are included with Gardens’ admission. Other programs are ticketed but Gardens’ admission is included with the fee.
Are there Yo Soy programs at Chatfield Farms?
Not at this time.
Can I get involved with Yo Soy as a vendor, business/organization, museum or community member?
We welcome collaborations and partnerships. If you're interested in contributing to the series, please email community@botanicgardens.org.
Can I volunteer at Yo Soy programs?
Yes, and you can find more information about volunteer opportunities on this page closer to the event dates.