Ofrendas | lcac-denver

Denver’s Latino Cultural & Arts Organizations Join Forces for a
Collective Honoring of Día de los Muertos

The Latino Cultural Arts Center of Colorado (LCAC) & D3Arts presents, in conjunction with The Chicano Humanities Arts Council (CHAC) and JTOH program w/ Chicana/o Studies Department at MSU Denver, Latin Fashion Week Colorado, Lifeline, Re:Vision, & Rise Westwood, are honored to announce the beginning of many fruitful partnerships across the city that will preserve and advance the ancient and modern traditions that make up Día de los Muertos

Ofrendas consists of many locations and components and is put on by a collaborative workgroup of artists and educators, chefs, youth, community leaders and elders. Throughout October, Ofrendas will draw upon traditions passed on for hundreds of years, along with new additions, to activate the digital space in innovative ways. We will co-create and share in a culture of learning, healing, and celebration.

Community Partners

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Sponsorship Opportunities

There are many ways to get involved in supporting Ofrendas.

Download the Ofrendas Sponsorship Package.

Submit your donation on the LCAC's Colorado Gives website.

Your donation can be directed towards a specific project or divided evenly among the levels. Please specify in the "special instructions or comments for nonprofit" section of the donation submission form.

Become a Sponsor

Ofrendas at Home

The Ofrendas, or offerings upon an altar, are the centerpiece of this sacred celebration because they are what guide the spirits of ancestors back to

their living relatives. They may include photographs, foods, flowers, candles, decorations, and other sacred elements that our loved ones enjoyed in life.

As such, the LCAC is putting together a series of unique handmade altar-kits.

Our aim is to build healthier and more resilient communities, so for every two that are acquired through donations, one will be gifted to a family or individual.

Look Inside a Handmade Ofrendas-Kit

Ofrendas Online with the LCAC, Atekpatzin, CHAC, LFWC,

Re:Vision, & RiseWestwood

Ce Ilhuitl: Ancient Roots of Día de los Muertos and the Altar Traditions with David Atekpatzin Young, MA, Traditional Healer (Apache/Pueblo)

Saturday, Oct. 24, 6-7pm

LCAC Virtual Presentation

Atekpatzin is a tribal elder, traditional healer, consultant, historian, author, artist, and musician. Atekpatzin has provided program design, evaluation and training locally and nationally for thirty years. He has worked as a health educator, prevention specialist, psychotherapist, and traditional healer serving diverse populations. He is founder of the Calmecaztlan, a traditional Indigenous school, and has taught courses at universities and high schools.

Healing Historical Trauma: We Are the Answer to Our Ancestors' Prayers

Thursday, Oct. 29, 6-7pm

LCAC Virtual Presentation

As an Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work, Dr. Beltran's scholarship focuses on the intersections of historical trauma, embodiment, and environmental and social determinants of health as they affect overall health and wellness in Indigenous communities.

Tu Sabor con Beto & Pancho

with Re:Vision

Friday, Oct. 30, 6-7pm

LCAC Virtual Presentation

Prepare for your kitchen to be infused with the smell of Pan de Muerto. Express your creativity with baking enthusiasts Norberto Mojardin & Pancho with Yuridia Bahena, (Re:Vision), who are eager to walk you through how to make this beloved offering. The hands-on cooking class is family friendly and for all skill levels. Register>>

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Panel on the Colorado's History of Día de Los Muertos

Saturday, Oct. 31, 6-7pm

The LCAC & CHAC Virtual Presentation

Join us to learn how the ancient traditions of Día de Los Muertos took root in Denver by the people that planted the seeds.

Moderator: Alfredo Reyes

Panelists: Flo Hernandez-Ramos, Patricio Córdova and David Atekpatzin Young

Learn More About the Panelists>>

Ofrendas in Community

Community Altar at Kepner

Saturday, Oct. 3, 12-7pm

D3 Arts, Lifeline, Transform Education Now, & Comunidad

In response to the recent spikes in gun violence among youth of Southwest and West Denver, Council Members Jamie Torres and Jolon Clark will be joined by D3 Arts, Lifeline, RNOs, and neighbors, who are organizing a community altar & peace march to foster healing, love, and hope for those affected. The public is invited to Kepner Legacy Middle School, 911 S. Hazel Court, where you can bring photographs, flowers, and other offerings to honor the youth lost to gun violence. After 6pm, there will be a candlelight vigil and ceremony.

Peace March & an Unveiling of a New Mural

Sunday, Oct. 4, 3-5pm

D3 Arts, Transform Education Now Lifeline & Comunidad

Lifeline will be leading a peace march from the west side of Huston Lake Park to Kepner. The march will culminate with live dance and musical performances. Additionally, there will be an unveiling of a new mural, made by artists Juan Fuentes & Mateo Rodriguez, that represents the vibrant cultures of Denver's Southwest Side neighborhoods.

Ofrendas Online with CHAC, Journey Through Our Heritage Program with the Chicana/o Studies Department at MSU Denver

Ofrendas’ programming draws upon traditions passed on for hundreds of years and the creative spirit to activate the digital space in educational ways, while co-creating and sharing in a culture of learning. There are FREE virtual and in-person activities that families can enjoy together. In conjunction with Ofrendas' community partners Chicano Humanities Arts Council (CHAC) and the JTOH program w/ Chicana/o Studies Department at MSU Denver, elders will share their stories and wisdom about the traditions and history of Día de los Muertos. Additionally, the presentations will include a calavera make-up tutorial, pan de muerto cooking class, and a presentation on mourning and grief.

Didn't have time to register? Join on zoom>>