Not So Fast 2018, A Latin Life Look Back At 2017

Connecting Communities & Cultures: Online,  Print, Radio & TV

 Colorado’s Latino community was out about throughout the year living life and moving forward. 

Latin Life Denver Media was also out and about throughout the year to bring you coverage of events that are important to our community.
 
Here are just a few that took place in 2017

Women’s March In Denver Draws 100,000 For Passionate Rally

More than 100,000 women, men and children of all races, creeds and colors ascended on Denver’s Civic Center Park Saturday January 21, 2017

 

 

 

 joining millions of others around the world to voice their concerns over the incoming President’s administration and what it will mean for them, their children, their country and the world.
 
Speakers included House Speaker Cristana Duran, as well as Irene Auilar, Nicoloe Garcia, Sara Gita Flores. Juana Bordas and Sister Alica Cuaron were also…Read more and see photos HERE


Denver Ice Ball, One Cool Fashion Affair!

This Event Was Designed To Celebrate…Read More And See Photos HERE

Voces Verde’s (Green Voices) Speak Out On Trump, Standing Rock & Dakota Pipeline

“President Trump’s Executive Actions To Enable Approval Of The Keystone XL Tar Sands Pipeline, Pave The Way To Approve The Dakota Access Pipeline, And Weaken Environmental Review Of Projects That Could Threaten Our Families’ Well Being And Harm Our Country. Put Simply, These Actions Make It Clear That Trump’s Aim Is To Benefit Big Oil And Gas Companies Even If Their Actions Endanger The American People.

Millions Of Americans Objected To…Read More HERE

 Latinos Score Big At Noche Ene-Be-A In Denver

Hundreds Of Latinos Turned Out Wednesday Night March 9th For The 11th Annual Noche Enc-Be-A (NBA Night)

House Speaker, Christanta Duran And Jeremias Guzman Mexico’s Acting Consul General Along With Mike Ferrufino, Chairman Of The Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce Of Metro Denver Were Present For…Read More & See More Photos HERE

North High Stands Out For  “In The Heights”

Latino Students From North And Strive Excel Prep High School Did An Amazing Job Of Performing “In The Heights” 

 This Production Of Lin Manuel Miranda’s 2008 Winner For Best Broadway Play. Miranda Himself Would Have Been…Read More & See Videos

Culture Clash! Gentrification Vs. Economic Development, Welcome To The Northside,  World Latino Film Festival

Gentrification Vs. Economic Development, Culture Vs. Homogenization, The Highlands Vs. The Northside,
However You Want To Look At There Are Many Changes And Challenges Happening In The Physical And Social Makeup Of Many Of Denver’s Core Neighborhoods And Throughout The United States As Huge Numbers Of The Population Have Migrated To The Inner City To Live In Areas That Were Once Predominately Minority Communities.
Those Were The Basic Themes Addressed By The Two Productions Shown During The Second Night Of The 19th Annual XicanIndie Latino World Film Festival In Denver March 31st. The Su Teatro Cultural And Performing Arts Center Was Filled To Capacity As People Turned…..Read More And See Photos HERE

Building Bridges, Not Walls, 16th Annual Cesar Chavez Day March Draws Hundreds…

“Our mission is to pay tribute and homage to the ideals of justice and non violence embodied by Cesar E. Chavez as one of the Americas’s greatest leaders, whose legacy for global working class interests and whose contributions towards peace and humanity for all should be remembered and practiced.”

That was the message hundreds of people who turned out for the 16th Annual Cesar Chavez Day March in North Denver were delivering to all of humanity. Various community organizations as well as

….Read more and see many more photos HERE

Carlos Santana’s “Dolores” (Huerta) Opens Women+Film Festival In Denver

Despite a blustery spring snow storm a sold out audience came out for the opening night of the Women+Film Festival at Sie FilmCenter in Denver to attend the screening of “Dolores” as well as to meet the civil rights icon in person.
The film, Directed by Peter Bratt and produced by Carlos Santana, tells how Huerta fought tirelessly alongside Cesar Chavez for racial and labor justice and became one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century. Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, met with…Read more & see photos HERE

19th XicanIndie Latino Film Festival OpensWith An Especially Hot Cuban Musical Flair

It turned out to be a very special night for the crowd the packed into Frank Trujillo Salon Del Arte at Denver’s Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center for the opening night of the 19th Annual XicanIndie FilmFest: Latino World Cinema.
Luis Barberia, currently one of Havana’s hottest talents, amazed the audience with his…Read more HERE

Hispanicize 2017, #1 Event For Latinos In The Digital Space

Now in its eighth year, Hispanicize 2017 is the largest annual event for Latino trendsetters and newsmakers in digital content creation, 
journalism, marketing, entertainment and tech entrepreneurship. 
 
The evening featured a spectacular fashion show before everyone hopped on buses to the Perez Art Museum Miami in South Beach for a private live concert  by Juanes and the advance screening of….Read more HERE

 

It Was A Blast! Denver Cinco De Mayo Festival Brings Joy & Unity…

What A Great Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Again This Year In Denver May 6th & 7th. There Was A Parade, Carnival, Traditional And Modern Dancers, A Taco Eating Contest, A Lowrider Car Show, A Quinceanera Show, Chihuahua Races, Lots Of Great Music On Two Stages For Both Spanish & English Audiences, Tons Of Delicious Food, Lots Of Beer And Most Of All A Great Time Had By Everyone.

Even The Mayors Of Denver And Juarez, Mexico Along With The Consul General Of Mexico, The Denver Chief Of Police And Other Dignitaries Went On Stage To Show…Read More And See Lots Of Photos HERE   

It’s Not Just About Horses & Hats, Aurora Derby 17 Keeps Black & Brown U.S. History Alive

It Is Billed As The Style Event Of The Year In Denver For The 143rd Running Of The Kentucky Derby  May 6th, 2017. 

Many Know The Kentucky Derby As An Over-The-Top Horse Race Held In The Spring, Where – In Between Sips Of Mint Juleps – People Dressed In Huge Hats And Pressed Outfits Cheer As Racehorses Run Around A Dirt Track.

But The Derby, Which Is The Oldest Continuous Sporting Event In America, Is Steeped In A Diverse History.

As Black Jockeys Waned, Latino Jockeys Began To Take Their Place.In 1963, Braulio Baeza Of Panama City, Panama, Won The Kentucky Derby As Well As The Belmont Stakes. He Set The Stage For Various Latinos To Consider A Career In Horse Racing.
When President Dwight Eisenhower Presented Baeza With The Trophy At Belmont, He Spoke Spanish To…Read More And See Lots Of Photos  HERE

Denver Treated To A Contrast In Puerto Rican Musical Styles

It Was An Awesome Evening Of Two Very Distinct And Contrasting Styles Of  Puerto Rican Music Friday Night At The Su Teatro Performance Center In Denver. 


None Of It Had Anything To Do With The Usual Sounds Of Salsa, Bachata Or Reggaeton Sounds Most Are Familiar With.  Read More And See Lots Of Photos HERE


It Was The Place To Be…A Taste Of Puerto Rico…Delicious Fun For Everyone!

“Seeing everybody come together, that’s my favorite part about the Puerto Rican festival”, said 23 year old Alexandria Garcia.
 Her and her family came prepared with beach blankets and chairs. “We’re here every year”, said
 Garcia who came early to stake out the best spot to see the music and people watch.

Mexican Inspired “LUZIA”  Sensuously Beautiful…     Cirque Du Soleil

I Want To See It Again, And Again. That’s How I Felt Immediately Upon Leaving The Opening Night Performance Of Luzia, A Waking Dream 

Of Mexico,

 

Cirque Du Soleil’s Beautiful New Production Inspired By The Richness Of Mexican Culture. 

The Name Luzia Fuses The Sound Of Luz (Light In Spanish) And Lluvia (Rain), Two Elements At The Core Of The Show’s Creation. Read More And See Photos HERE

They Were Dancing In The Streets In Longmont!   Colorado Latino Festival 2017  

The Weather Was Perfect This Past Weekend For The Second Annual Colorado Latino Festival In Longmont, Colorado. The Mid Seventies Temperatures Brought Out Thousands To Enjoy A Day Of Great Entertainment, Great Latin Cuisine, Fun Loving People And An All Around Great Day To Celebrate Latin Culture. Latin Life Denver/America Media Was Pleased To Serve A A Media Sponsor Again This Year.

Read more and see lots of photos HERE

Honoring The Greats Of Chicano Music, A 5 Day Celebracion, 21st Annual Chicano Music Festival

It was one heck of a jam session with lots memories made over five days of honoring the greats of Chicano Music.
This year’s Chicano Roots Music Festival and Silent Auction, hosted by Su Teatro, has been nothing short of immersing you into the pride of Chicano roots and honoring the lives of ancestors through music. Every day brought a new level of appreciation for the Chicano culture…from the music, to the food, to the art and the amazing people this event attracts.Day one was filled with the beautiful….Read more and see lots of photos HERE

Viva La Peru! Viva La Independencia! Denver Peruvian Festival Pageantry, Pride & Fun!

It was a site to behold, the 5th Annual Festival de la Independencia del Peru Sunday, July 30th, 2017 at La Raza/Columbus Park in Denver was full of pageantry, pride and fun.


The festival was alive and happening, from the colors, music, dancing, activities, traditional food and of course, the Peruvian orgullo!

It rained midway through Read more and see photos HERE


 

Viva La Diva,19th Anniversary Celebration…

“Viva la Diva” went burlesque as it celebrated its 19th anniversary at the Bonacquisti Winery in North Denver. The community showed up to support and celebrate the work of COLOR (Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights) and guests were treated to amazing music, food, a silent auction, wine and quite a sexy and empowering Punk Rock Burlesque show! Read more and see photos HERE

Awe Inspiring, Latina Legacy Circle Celebration 2017

This so, so inspiring! That was the general sentiment at this years anniversary of the Latina Legacy Circle Celebration as the astounding accomplishments of this year’s inductees were recognized and honored .  More than a hundred supporters came out August 24th to the Rudolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library in Denver celebrate this year’s amazing recipients. Read more and see photos  HERE.

All Unite For A Hot Summer’s Night! Concert Provides The Perfect Escape

It has been a tumultuous summer to say the least and yesterday’s “Hot Summer’s Night” concert in Aurora provided the perfect opportunity to escape all the political and social turmoil happening in our country

and around the world. Even if it was only for a few hours everyone seemed to release a lot of pent up energy dancing, laughing, socializing and just having an all around great time.
Victor Deleon of the Deleon Brothers Band told the crowd during their performance, “There is only one race on this planet and that’s…Read more and see lots of photos HERE.

Live At The Vineyards 2017, KUVO Does It Again!

This year, the rain got out of the way early in the afternoon and allowed for an absolutely beautiful evening under the stars for the more than one thousand wine, food and jazz enthusiasts who attended.
 It was an amazing evening at the Balistreri Vineyards August 12th as KUVO Radio held its annual fundraising event.
Filled with 20 of Denver’s best gourmet restaurants, a variety of Balisteri wines, a silent auction, dancing and great music, guests couldn’t ask for anything more! Read more and see lots of photos HERE

Sabor 2017, A Night Of Elegance, Ambiance, Food & Fun Galore

It was the place to see and be seen as a virtual list of Denver’s who’s who came out for a night of socializing, food and fun.

The Denver Botanical Gardens lit up Saturday night, August 4th, as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Denver hosted their 10th annual spectacular event, Sabor! Attendees were dressed to impress, the gardens were popping with color and food, drink and music. Read more and see lots of photosHERE

At 75 Juana Bordas Is The Toast Of The Town. Birthday Celebration Of Life, Legacy & Leadership

At 75 Year’s Old Juana Bordas Is Truly One Of Denver’s And America’s Finest Leaders With The Passion Of Developing Future Latino Leaders For Generations To Come And If Her Birthday Party Last Night Was A Sign Of What’s To Come The Vivacious Nicaraguan Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down.
Bordas Told Celebrants  That In Today’s Political Climate It Is More Important Than Ever For Latinos…Read More And See Photos HERE

5 Years & Thriving, Americas Latino Eco Festival Nuestra Familia Awards Gala

The Americas Latino Eco Festival (ALEF) Celebrated It

‘S Fifth Year In Colorado With It’s Nuestra Famila Awards Gala September 15th At The Denver Museum Of Nature And Science.
The Festival Is Themed People & Waters First: Ripples Of Hope And Will Honor The Colorado River And The Country Of Cuba.

See Photos And

The Recipients Of The 2017 ALEF Nuestra Familia Awards HERE

Beautiful Gala Kicks Off Biennial Of The Americas 2017 Festival

The 2017 Edition Of The Biennial Of The Americas At The Seawell Grand Ballroom In Denver  Kicked Off With An Opening Gala That Brought Together

Nearly 500 Participants From Around The Americas To Celebrate A Four Day Long Festival Of Ideas, Art And Culture. The Festival Assembles The Most Dynamic Leaders In The Arts, Business, Government, Civic Life And Philanthropy To Examine The Critical Issues Impacting Life Across The Western Hemisphere. Read More And See Photos HERE.

Help Is On The Way! Colorado Benefit Concert Provides Support For Puerto Rico & Mexico Disaster Victims…

A Consortium Of Collaborating Organizations And Individuals Lead By The Latino Chamber Of Commerce And Barrio E’ Held The Benefit Concert On Thursday, Oct 12th At The McNichols Events Center In Denver.
100 Percent Of Proceeds Will Go Towards Helping The Victims Of Hurricane Maria In Puerto Rico And The Recent Earthquakes In Mexico. More Than A Thousand People Came Out To Contribute Their Time, Money And Talent.  Read More And See Photos HERE

Las Adelitas “Celebrating The Arts Concert”

It Was A Night Of Wonderful Entertainment, Yummy Refreshments, And Camaraderie As Las Adelitas Living The Arts Presented Its Las Adelitas, Celebrating The Arts Concert Saturday, September 23rd At The Waterfront Event Center 10 Lakeside Lane In Denver
Emcee’s Yolanda Ortega And Debra Gallegos Were Marvelous With Their High Spirited Cheerfulness And Tender Caring.
Outstanding Performances By…Read More & See Photos Gallery HERE

Whats A Night, What A Show! Latin Beats Sonidos De Las Americas Concert

Music From Brazil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Mexico And Other Latin American Countries Filled The Air While Mexican Folkloric And Salsa Dancers Filled The Stage. “There Must Be A Hundred Performers Up There” Said One Member As The Audience. In A Unique Collaboration The…Read More And See Photo Gallery HERE

“El Moviemiento” Remembering Colorado Chicano History & It’s Future, Forever

Seemed Like Everyone Was Sharing Stories Of Back In The Day, Remembering This Incident And That March Or That Organization.
Chicano Pride Filled The Room September 27th At The Colorado History Museum As Long Time Chicano Activists, Supporters And Leaders From Throughout Colorado Came Together To Celebrate The Installation Of The “El Moviemiento” (The Movement) As A Permanent And Core Exhibit At The Museum.
Speaking To The Standing Room Only Crowd, Former Colorado Lt. Governor Joe Garcia Said, “It Is Fitting That This… Learn More And See Photo Gallery HERE

Nuestro Rio Celebrates 5 years Of Latino Advocacy For Colorado River Management

One Out Of Every Three People Living In The States Around The Colorado River Is Latino. Nuestro Rio Celebrated Its 5th Year Anniversary On October 13th With A Celebration At History Colorado Museum In Denver. Nuestro Río Is Working To Educate Elected Officials And Youth About The Many Ways That Latinos Are Connected To The Colorado River And Help Them To Become Advocates For A Healthy River For Future Generations.

Executive Director Nita Gonzales Stressed The Importance Of The Latino Community To Continue Engagement In…Learn More HERE.
 

Everyone Knows Someone Who Is A Victim, An Evening Of Hope

There Is Not One Person Who Does Not Know Someone That Has Been Affected By Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence Continues To Permeate Families, Communities, And Society” Denver Police Department, Commander Paul Pazen Told The Crowd At The Servicios De La Raza’s VISTAS Program On October 11, 2017.  The Agency Hosted Their First Evening Of Hope Dinner In Honor Of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month . 

State House Representative Joe Salazar Echoed That In This Time Of Crisis, Over 20 Million Americans Are Victimized By Domestic Violence Each….Learn More And See Lots Of PhotosHERE 

End Domestic Violence…Shine Bright, Purple Light!

Nearly 3 US women are killed every day by intimate partners. 

October is National Domestic Violence Month conceived to connect advocates working to end violence against women and children. 

Along with Co -Sponsor Las Adelitas Living  the Arts, a nonprofit organization who provides passionate support for Latinas, who have experienced acts of violence and trauma, promoting their gifted talents in an artistically creative atmosphere.
Shine Bright, Purple Lights was hosted by Lucille Rivera, Executive Director of Chicano Humanities and Arts Council, on Saturday, October 7, 2017
The event was…Read more and see photos HERE

Denver’s Veteran’s Day Parade 2017 Reminds Us Of The Generations Of Hispanics Who Have Proudly Served Our Country

As The Nation Honors Its Veterans, Government Officials Point To The Growing Numbers Of Latinos In The Military, While Hispanic Scholars And Historians Remind Us Of The Generations Of Hispanics Who Have Proudly Served Our Country.

Latinos Make Up About 6 Percent Of U.S. Military Veterans, According To A September 2014 Report By The National Center For Veterans Analysis.

 
The Population Of Hispanic Veterans Is Expected To Double In The Next Ten Years, According To Barbara Ward, Director Of The Department Of Veterans Affairs Center For Minority Veterans. The Increase Can Be Seen Over Time; While Hispanics Were 2.6 Percent Of World War II Veterans, They Make Up 12.2 Percent Of Veterans In The Post-9/11 Period. Read more and see photos  HERE.

NEWSED Civil Rights Awards Brings Lots Of Smiles & A Surprise


Veronica Barela surprised most everyone at the NEWSED Civil rights awards ceremony announcing her retirement at the end of  2017. Awardees were Hans Meyer, Attorney at Law, Qusair Mohamedbhai, Attorney at Law, First Unitarian Society of Denver, Ramona Martinez, Former Denver City Council Member, American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit (ADAPT). See photos HERE


10 Years & Growing Latino Community Foundation Celebrates!

Hispanic Leaders From Throughout The State Gathered At EXDO Event Center On September 29th To Help The Latino Community Foundation Of Colorado Mark The 10th Anniversary Of Its Founding.
The Dinner Celebration Also Was The Occasion To Present The Lifetime Achievement Award To Ron Montoya, Who With His Wife, Naomi, Helped Establish The Organization That Has Since Invested $5.3 Million In The Community And Encouraged Thousands Of Others To Step Up As Philanthropic Leaders.
Ambassador Berenice Rendon, Mexico’s Consul General In Denver, Was Among Those Attending The Sold-Out Event, Joining With Such Other Community Leaders As ….Read More And See Photo Gallery HERE

Latinas Honoring Latinas: Romaine Pacheco Receives Life Time Achievement Award

My Name Is Bridget Garcia And I’m Honored To Help Introduce The Lifetime Achievement Awardee, My Grandma, Romaine Pacheco.  Romaine Comes From Las Vegas New Mexico, The Youngest Of 6 Children.  Her Father Was An Immigrant From Lebanon Who Came Over As A Teenager And Worked On The Railroad.  Her Mother Was From New Mexico And Worked For A Veterinarian.
At 23 She Found Herself A Divorced Mother Of 3 Young Daughters After She And Her Husband Moved To Denver So He Could Attend DU Law School.  Her Girls’ Father Returned To New Mexico And Romaine…Read More HERE. 

       The Night Comes Alive For             Dia De Los Muertos Exhibit

The Night Came Alive Thursday November 2nd  For The Opening Night Reception Of The Dia De Los Muertos Art Exhibit At The Mexican Cultural Center In Denver.

The Packed Crowd Was Abuzz With Oos And Awes As The Viewed The Lavish Displays Of A Variety Of Alters Was Put Together By Artist Norberto Mojarin.

Marcela De La Mar, Executive Director For The Mexican Cultural Center, Told The Crowd About The Meaning Of All The Various…Read More And See Lots Of Photos HERE

Vino Y Chocolate 2017, Believe In The Magic Of The Season!

It Was A Beautiful Day At The Holy Family Parish Hall Saturday, December 2nd As The 19th Annual Vino Y Chocolate Event Was Celebrated.
Table Tops Were Magnificently Decorated, Food And Wine Were Plentiful And Attendees Contributed To The Abundance Of
Gifts Under The Christmas Tree.
Vino Y Chocolate Was Founded By Sister Alicia Cuaron And Romaine Pacheco With The Intention Of Celebrating The Holiday Season With The Community While Raising Money To Benefit The Latina Safehouse.
Attendees Either Brought Gifts Or…Read More And See Photos HERE

Santa, Luminarias & Aztec Dancers Visit Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District

Santa Came To Town And Made The Rounds. He Stopped By The Santa Fe Arts District In Early December As Part Of First Friday Artwalk. The Holiday-Lighting Ceremony Sponsored By NEWSED Brought Back Its Luminarias Display With Hundreds Of Paper Lanterns – A Southwestern Tradition. Carolers, Youth Mariachis, A Roaming Santa Claus And Aztec Dancers Went From Storefront To Storefront Serenading And Entertaining Visitors Both Young And The Young At Heart…Read More And See Photos  HERE.
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Paco Sanchez: Denver’s Hispanic Media Pioneer Social Reform Activist

Francisco “Paco” Sanchez, Hispanic activist and radio broadcaster, came to Denver in 1948 as a front-man for a Latin music band. When he learned there were no Spanish radio announcers in the city, he decided this was where he needed to be.


To fill the gap, Sanchez purchased his own radio time from stations KTLN and KMYR. He paid for the air time by personally selling ads. His programs had a community mission and he quickly earned the trust of Denver’s Hispanics.


On June 5, 1954, Sanchez started his own radio station KFSC-AM in the living room of his house at 3343 Lafayette St. He was the first Hispanic owner of a…Learn more and see photos HERE
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