Each year, communities across the country celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month — a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Hispanic culture.
Celebration Through Art
Honoring Hispanic heritage in Longmont starts with the colors and creativity that fill its streets. Longmont’s mural collection includes a local artist, Tony Ortega, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the city’s Día de Muertos celebration located at the 400 Block West Breezeway in Downtown Longmont, depicting a family feast, honoring lineage and ancestry through celebration and remembrance. Another addition, Casa Lou by Mario Miguel Echevarria, located at 9th and Main, shines a light on the life of Eloyeda “Lou” Cardenas, a pioneering advocate who founded the Longmont Senior Center and devoted her life to uplifting the Hispanic community.
Art also reflects connections beyond borders. The Butterfly Pavilion in Flanders Park on Lake McIntosh is an Art in Public Places (AIPP) piece by Jodie Bliss, and it celebrates over 25 years of friendship between Longmont and its sister city, Ciudad Guzmán, Mexico, through a dazzling installation of hand-forged steel monarchs — a symbol of transformation, migration, and unity that captures the essence of Longmont’s culture.
To continually educate the community, the Longmont Museum honors the town’s Hispanic legacy through the Latino History Virtual Tour that highlights the resilience, achievements, and vibrant traditions of Longmont’s Hispanic heritage. The virtual tour connects the town’s history beginning in the 1900s, when Spanish-speaking families helped shape Longmont’s growth and character, leaving a lasting impact on its neighborhoods, schools, and culture.
Festivities and Events Honoring Heritage
This year, Longmont’s celebration continues with the 25th Annual Día de Muertos Family Celebration on Saturday, October 11, in Downtown Longmont. The free, family-friendly event brings together music, dance, crafts, food trucks, and the beloved Gigantes Procession, an energetic parade of towering papier mâché figures led by Aztec dancers.
As part of the celebration, Catrinas on Parade exhibit at the Firehouse Art Center, open from October 11 through November 3, showcases local artists’ interpretations of the iconic Mexican figure, La Calavera Catrina.
Inspiring Hispanic Cuisine
Longmont is full of local spots where residents and visitors can experience the Hispanic culture. Experience the culinary art of South America at the woman-run café, Chí Kapé. The Mayan-inspired destination serves up pupusas, arepas, and baked goods, all paired with exceptional coffee. For classic Mexican dishes, Casa Agave offers a variety of tacos and entrees featuring a signature green chili, perfect for anyone looking to savor authentic flavors.
Seafood lovers will want to check out Mariscos A Todo Mar, where fresh Latin-inspired seafood, cocktails, and music bring a festive atmosphere to your dining experience For a unique twist on traditional Hispanic cuisine, Rosario's Peruvian Restaurant delivers authentic Peruvian dishes alongside American favorites, making it the only Peruvian restaurant in Longmont and a local favorite for family-style dining. This is just a taste of Longmont’s flavors, more can be found here in the list of restaurants.
Ongoing Commitment to Latin Business
Beyond the arts, Longmont’s culture thrives through commerce and advocacy. The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County and Visit Longmont continue to partner in supporting local Hispanic-owned businesses and promoting tourism that reflects the city’s diversity and entrepreneurial spirit.
From the traditions, murals, and partnerships that color the city each Hispanic Heritage Month reminds residents and visitors alike that Hispanic roots are woven into the fabric of Longmont itself, shaping a culture rich in creativity, community, and pride.
