How to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Denver

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honoring the culture and contributions of Latinos across the United States.

State of play: Hispanics and Latinos represent about a third of Denver’s population, and the city is going all-out for the occasion. Here are seven ways to celebrate:

• Starting Oct. 2, Denver Botanic Gardens, in partnership with the Mexican Cultural Center, will host Alebrije: Xólotl, a towering papier-mâché sculpture by contemporary artist Óscar Becerra Mora depicting a Mexican folklore creature.
• Latin Fashion Week Colorado is putting on runway shows this Saturday and Sunday showcasing the work of Latino designers and artists from our own backyard and around the world.
• Latin dance lessons are offered at a number of local studios, including Colorado New Style Dance, La Rumba and Salsa Central Denver.
• On Oct. 6, History Colorado will show an in-person screening of "Chicanas: Nurturers and Warriors," a film that calls attention to the ways Chicanas have shaped Denver and pushed for progress.
• Dine at Comal Heritage Food Incubator in northeast Denver, a restaurant and training program for aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs who immigrated or fled from other countries, including Mexico and El Salvador.
• Museo de las Americas will feature "Smoking Mirrors: Visual Histories of Identity, Resistance and Resilience," spotlighting works of various media from more than 20 artists and muralists across Colorado and New Mexico.
• Drive down Federal Boulevard and pop into one its many mercados, panaderias and top-notch taquerias.