San Lorenzo 2026 Ceremony Comes to Highlands United Methodist Church

San Lorenzo 2026 Ceremony Comes to Highlands United Methodist Church Denver, CO — Calpulli Huitzilopochtli invites the North Denver community to attend the San Lorenzo 2026 Ceremony and Danza, a free public cultural celebration taking place Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Highlands United Methodist Church, 3131 Osceola St., Denver, CO. The annual San Lorenzo ceremony was brought to Denver more than 40 years ago by the late Capitán Raúl Chávez Portillo, founder of Grupo Huitzilopochtli. The ceremony honors both Indigenous and Christian ancestors through a tradition of prayer, humility, music, and dance. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as the group celebrates in its new home at Highlands United Methodist Church. Grupo Huitzilopochtli was founded in 1969 by Raúl Chávez, who immigrated from Mazatlán, Mexico, bringing with him the traditional danza of his ancestors. For nearly half a century, the group has maintained an open-door tradition, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds who wish to learn, participate, and honor Mexica culture. The group has volunteered thousands of hours in schools, churches, community events, and cultural organizations across Colorado. Through dance, music, storytelling, ceremony, and free weekly classes, Calpulli Huitzilopochtli continues to preserve living cultural traditions while promoting compassion, stewardship, and cultural understanding through the arts. In addition to the San Lorenzo celebration, Calpulli Huitzilopochtli welcomes families and community members to learn about its traditions every Thursday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Highlands United Methodist Church. This weekly open danza practice, commonly called an ensayo, is also free and open to the public. The ensayo serves as a community circle where participants can learn through dance, music, teachings, and shared cultural practice. The mission of Calpulli Huitzilopochtli is to teach Indigenous Aztec culture and traditions through dance, music, and the arts. Calpulli Huitzilopochtli and Azteca Arts Colorado are proudly connected to the Colorado Folk Arts Council, one of Colorado’s long-standing cultural arts organizations. The group was also recognized with the 2016 Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Arts & Culture Impact Award for its lasting contribution to Denver’s arts and cultural life. Event Schedule Friday, August 14, 2026 — 7:00 PM Ensayo and Vigil Highlands United Methodist Church 3131 Osceola St., Denver, CO Saturday, August 15, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Danza / Ceremony Highlands United Methodist Church 3131 Osceola St., Denver, CO The celebration is free and open to the public. Community members, friends, and families are invited to attend. Community Support Welcome Calpulli Huitzilopochtli welcomes sponsorships of time, talent, or treasure. Community support may include volunteers, food and beverage donations, grocery store gift cards, carnations, or other flower donations. For sponsorships, donations, volunteer information, or information about the free weekly ensayo, please contact [email protected], call 720-329-0869, or visit https://azteca-dance.yolasite.com/. About Calpulli Huitzilopochtli Calpulli Huitzilopochtli is a Denver-based danza community dedicated to preserving and sharing Indigenous, Mexica, and community-based cultural traditions through music, dance, prayer, ceremony, and education. Its mission is to teach Indigenous Aztec culture and traditions through dance, music, and the arts, continuing the legacy of its late founder, Capitán Raúl Chávez Portillo.

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Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3712850-0

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