Kids crossed the street while holding their parents’ hands. Toddlers either stayed in their strollers or broke free for short getaways before mothers scooped them up. Pre-teenagers danced or snacked on mangos with chili powder.
And all around them, music and dance from around the world took over.
On Sunday, the Golden Triangle Creative District hosted the annual Día del Niño — or children’s day — at the Denver Art Museum, Byers-Evans House Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Denver Public Library and History Colorado Center. Similar events were held at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.
In History Colorado, Danza Matachina Guadalupana dancers stomped to the beat of large drums. They wore bright colors and Catholic symbols on robes, performing traditional Aztecan military and spiritual dances that were heavily influenced by the Spaniards.
In the Martin Plaza southeast of 13th Avenue and Broadway, the Chihera Family Marimba Band from Zimbabwe inspired smiles on the gathered crowd. Three generations of the family played xylophones, dancing as they struck the wooden bars with mallets.
Inside the art museum, Your Souls Movement had kids and their parents on their feet, teaching them a dance to “Despacito.” Kids shook their arms to an eight count, practiced the salsa and dabbed — a dance move partially popularized by Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.
Families shuffled from location to location, taking in the short shows or trying out some crafts. It was the latter part that 6-year-old Shanea Ramirez liked the most. When asked why, she said simply, “Because I like crafting.” She made a 3-D rainbow out of paper.
After putting down the chicken quesadilla she was snacking on, Adamari Eamora, another 6-year-old, said the day was a surprise for her, explaining, “It was only my mom’s choice.” But she was still having fun. Although she doesn’t dance much personally, Adamari said she enjoyed watching others do so.
Although many had planned on coming to the cultural day — loving that it also offered free access to the cultural institutions — others stumbled upon it, such as 13-year-old Dora Delgado-Kemp. She and her parents had planned to go to the library, but it opens later on Sundays. Following the music, they walked over to the plaza. Dora sipped a drink while watching the Chihera Family Marimba Band.
“It’s really nice and fun,” she said.
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