Article & Photos by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media (see photo gallery below)

The exquisite chocolate was homemade by this mother & daughter team.

The 21st Annual Vino y Chocolate Christmas season celebration was a festive gathering of many community members. Dozens brought children’s gifts and gathered at the Holy Family Parish Hall, 4358 Utica St. in Denver Saturday, December 7th. The deserts, food and wine were plentiful as dozens mingled enjoying the wonderful afternoon ambiance.

Ester Luben (center) & friends show off her beautifully decorated table.

Pauline Rivera’s Churches of northern New Mexico theme table was fascinating.

Table tops were magnificently decorated for the holiday season. There were Denver Bronco and Colorado Rockies themed tables. Co-founder Romaine Pacheco had three beautifully decorated tables. Each meticulously laid out with great attention to detail. “Believe it or not each only takes me about an hour” she said.

Ester Luben had a couple of tables to show off as did Co-founder Sister Alicia Cuaron. Pauline Rivera, Owner of La Voz Newspaper featured a table themed on the churches of northern New Mexico. Photos and artifacts of various New Mexican churches past & present had viewers reminiscing of visits to that spiritual land.  Some talked of the personal miracles they had experienced at the small but famed El Santuario de Chimayo.

This years event supported the El Groupo Vida (Latinos providing support for disabled and special needs families. Guests were asked to donate a wrapped gift for a child age three months to eight years old.

A variety of community members came out to support the 21st edition of Vino Y Chocolate. Photo courtesy Elizabeth Munoz.

Donations can still be made to the Sister Alicia Education fund at Centro San Juan Diego

Founded in 2003 Centro San Juan Diego is the Hispanic Institute for Family and Pastoral Care for the Archdiocese of Denver.

The event was hosted by Romaine Pacheco and  Sister. Alicia Cuaron.

(See Latin Life Denver Media coverage from 2017) and (2015)

Photos by Latin Life Denver Media