The Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce‘s (COHCC) Sabor 2026 reminds us that summer is a time for celebration with friends, colleagues, partners, and business associates.
Denver’s record-breaking temps were no match for this hot multicultural fundraising festival held each year on the first Friday of every August at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Sabor (flavor or taste in English) is dubbed an annual “gastronomic extravaganza” and for good reason. Its an explosion of vibrant traditional attire, live music, costumed dancers, and savory appetizers showcasing some of Latin Americas best foods. You may even leave a few pounds heavier from the awesome antojitos (appetizer street food) and sweet alfajores, shortbread cookies with dulce de leche filling.
The celebration honors and supports Hispanic-owned businesses through leadership development, youth entrepreneurship, and small business grants. It’s also an opportunity to showcase the most beautiful garden views along with live music and some of the best foods and drink from vendors throughout Colorado.
Sponsored by Pepsi, Chevron, and Blue Moon Beer, this year’s event attracted more than 2,500 guests enjoying live Latin American music, dancers, specialty beers, softdrinks, and even a little tequila. Besides prominent Colorado Latino business movers and shakers, the fiesta featured Aztec dancers in native costume and other popular luminaries including Zorro, Mexican Elvis, and Frida Kahlo.
“We hope that people understand the beauty of diversity within diversity,” says Chamber President and CEO Mike Ferrufino. He calls it a labor of love for the community and recognition of the chamber’s 48-year history of boosting and promoting Hispanic businesses and partnerships statewide.
The backdrop of the event features the current Denver Botanic Gardens exhibit from artist Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism which explores themes of “personal introspection and collective harmony” using portrait busts and seated figures. The exhibit runs through September 7, 2026.
Founded in 1978, the COHCC has more than 2,500 members and supports and fosters the development, growth and success of Hispanic businesses in Colorado. To become a member or for more information visit: www.hispanicchamberdenver.com
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- Aztec dancers welcome guests
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- Anthony and Monica Mazowsk
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- Sylvana Escobar, Sylvana Jeri
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- Vendors galor
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- Senor Bear, Guillermo Sanchez
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- A view of the current Denver Botanic Gardens exhibit: Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism
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- Gabriela Valuskova, Lalo Gonzalez, Adrianna Muntean
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- Jesus Silva, Claudio Hernandez
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- Phil Weiser, Sue Montoya Ruiz
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- Sara Buys, Brian Henson, Allison Kiehh, Joshua Riggs
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- Denver Botanic Gardens CEO Donna McGinnis, Brian McGinnis
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- Ximena and Lucia of the Coors Truck
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- Several Latin American consulates were represented including Guatemala
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- Valerie Tun, Karla Dominguez of the Mexican consulate
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- Vendor representives from the El Salvador consulate
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- Dancers kept the crowd dancing
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- Beba Valenz
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- Members of Origenes Dance Collective
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- Gloria and Mike Rubio of CLLARO
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- CO Hispanic Chamber President/CEO Mike Ferrufino, Chase Adams, Heidi Nelson
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- Annie Lee, Michelle Lucero
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- Laura Medina, J. Anthony Garnica
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- Claudia Castro, Chris Swank
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- Kendra Sandoval, Ryan Laine
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- Brenda Madera, Diane Rodriguez
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- Painter Adolfo Romero
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- Madison Leighty, Meredith Leighty, Nicole Bueno, Michelle Burnett
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- Ben and Erin Ramaker
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- Jasmine Lopez, Quiola Quinones, Janeth Rosas
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- Jennifer and Jeremiah DeGraff
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- Rosa Chavez, Ana Garcia
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- Benny Samuels, Roberto Esquivel
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- Liz Wemegieme, Shanthi Ravi
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- Mexican Elvis (Gregorio Bañuelos) with Frida Kahlo (Quiola Quinones)
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- John Carroll, Emilio Romero, Gennaro Leo
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- Carlos Ruiz, Liliana Villalobos
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- Monica Hernandez, Yasmine Valencia, Carlos Castaneda
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- The event was sponsored by Pepsi, Chevron, and Blue Moon Beer
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- Judith Silva, Evelyn Gomez, Evelyn Quintana, Blake Jackson
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- Yurima Crowley, Michelle Gonzalez
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- Rosa Salazar, Moses Campos
