Ofrendas is a multi-faceted celebration of the ancient native and contemporary Meso-American traditions behind Día de los Muertos. It is an invitation to co-create with local and international artisans, while celebrating and honoring our ancestors through raising awareness about grief, healing, and resilience.
The LCAC announces the 4th-year of Ofrendas focusing on the Indigenous theme of duality or "Tloque Nahuaque," (Nahuatl Uto-Aztecan).
Beginning in August through November, we are partnering with D3 Arts, DCIS, Trevista at Horace Mann, local artists, facilitators and venues across the Denver Metro Area to provide FREE community art workshops and in-school programming. Participants of all ages will create masks, candles, frames, and sugar skulls while learning about different traditions associated with Día de los Muertos. REGISTER HERE!
The Ofrendas 2023 Theme: Tloque Nahuaque
Ofrendas 2023 is centered on the concept of "Tloque Nahuaque," (Nahuatl Uto-Aztecan) emphasizing our sacred interconnectedness and balance with contrasting elements in life. Workshops will highlight the duality of joy and sorrow, light and darkness, through ceremony and ritual while helping us to find balance and peace within ourselves.
Throughout the Fall, Ofrendas invites participants to weave remembrance, gratitude, and cultural customs both ancient and contemporary. The goal is to preserve ancestral memory along with a sense of place and belonging through altar-making practices that are to be respected and admired for the generational healing they have brought for thousands of years.
Embrace the Magic of Authentically Handmade Creations
for a Truly Meaningful Día de los Muertos
At Hijos del Sol, our wide selection of offerings with high-level craftsmanship ensure that each item is a testament to the reverence and beauty of Día de los Muertos. The Ofrendas Mercado is your opportunity to create a personal and deeply meaningful altar where you can pay homage to your ancestors.
SAVE-THE-DATE: The boutique will be open on Saturday, October 14, from 10am-4pm, at 2715 West 8th Avenue in Denver. If you are unable to attend the Ofrendas Mercado, we are always available for a private shopping appointment by calling 303-946-8873.
Ofrendas Workshops
Ofrendas bridges the cultural arts and wellness through the making of hand-made altar items. We invite you to join us to honor the past and present as we celebrate the lives of our loved ones. Workshops will be hosted across Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties.
Workshop Schedule for 2023
For All Ages | Free Event | Lite Snacks Provided
Ofrendas 2023: Flower Corona Workshop
Learn about the importance of the Cempasúchil (marigold) in Día de los Muertos traditions and how celebrating our ancestors with our families is a source of strength and wellness. Partake in this beautiful tradition of making flower crowns to place on your home altar.
Tuesday, September 26th, 2023: Raíces Brewing Company, 2060 West Colfax, Denver, 6-8pm
Ofrendas 2023: Alebrije Workshops
Alebrijes are fantastical animals created from a feverish dream and transformed into spiritual guides. These magnificent and colorful creatures are believed to be guides and protectors. Connect with your spiritual side while you make your own Alebrije!
Thursday, September 29, 2023: Dilly Dally DIY, 312 Fourth Street, Castle Rock, 4:00-6:00pm
Thursday, October 5, 2023: Mi Chanti, 1750 30th Street, Unit 22, Boulder, 6:15-8:15pm
Ofrendas 2023: Calaverita Workshops
Sugar Skulls are a delightfully sweet way to remember those we love. Come celebrate and honor your loved ones with us while you create and decorate a sugar skull and learn about this traditional craft!
Wednesday, October 4th: Sun Valley Kitchen, 1260 Decatur Street, Denver, 11:30-1:30pm
Saturday, October 21st: Adams Be the Change @ Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 11am-1pm
Tuesday, October 24th: Raíces Brewing Company, 2060 West Colfax, Denver, 6:00-8:00pm
Wednesday, October 25th: Denver Public Library: Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch, 1498 Irving Street, Denver, 4:00 - 6:00pm (Nachos provided)
(Halloween) Tuesday, October 31st, 2023: Denver Public Library: Montbello Branch, 12955 Albrook Drive, Denver, 4:00-6:00pm
Ofrendas 2023: La Luz de los Muertos Workshops
Through which light would you like to be remembered? Candles have been used to honor and illuminate our celebrations for over 5,000 years. Join us in decorating a candle that guides those you cherish from this world to the next.
Tuesday, October 10th, 2023: Raíces Brewing Company, 2060 West Colfax, Denver, 5:00-7:00pm
Wednesday, October 12, 2023: Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, 6:00-7:30pm
Ofrendas 2023: Recuérdame Workshops
Create a faux-tin picture frame that brilliantly catches the light from candles and give us a physical place to celebrate our most cherished moments and people. Learn more about this traditional craft while learning about the important role photographs have in Día de los Muertos.
Saturday, October 28th, 2023: Denver Public Library: Hadley Branch, 1890 S. Grove Street, Denver, 1:00-3:00pm
Monday, October 30th, 2023: Broomfield Public Library: Mamie Doud Eisenhower Branch, 3 Community Park Road, Broomfield, 6:00-7:30pm
Photograph taken by Armando Geneyro on the set of the LCAC Ofrendas Documentary with Creative Directors Victoria Paige Gonzalez, Xencs L. Wing and Alejandra Peralta. Pictured above is Denisse and Chuco. Styling: Iccauhtzin; Adornments: Xencs L. Wing; Make-up: Stacy Berumen; Hair: Rachael Ibarra; Lowrider: Arnold De Herrera.
Ofrendas Documentary
The Ofrendas Documentary is a multi-part series that tells stories about what Día de los Muertos traditions mean to communities across Denver and Colorado. This first episode explores the origins of both the ancient and contemporary celebrations of sacred tradition that honors life and renewals. LCAC is collaborating with film makers Steven Yazzie and Gabe Fermin to conduct interviews with local Native and Chicano cultural warriors Maruca Salazar, Santiago Jaramillo, Ramona Beltran, and David Atekpatzin Young. Each bring unique stories and personal reflections about Day of the Dead.
