About Us
Our Mission & Vision
The Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation is a non-profit organization established for cultural, educational, and charitable purposes. This includes promoting and preserving Ethiopian heritage, supporting educational initiatives, and organizing the Taste of Ethiopia Festival to celebrate Ethiopian culture, which has been present in Colorado for over half a century.
The Taste of Ethiopia Festival aims to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Americans of Ethiopian descent through community involvement and fostering mutual understanding among the diverse populations of Colorado.
This includes showcasing Ethiopian arts, cuisine, and traditions to cultivate an appreciation for this vibrant legacy. Additionally, we aim to promote Economic Empowerment by supporting local businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs through providing platforms to showcase their talents.
This effort aims to foster economic growth and sustainability within the community, celebrating local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. Through our youth engagement efforts, we strive to uplift the cultural and educational fabric of the community through mentorship, educational programs, and artistic expression, inspiring youth to contribute to the cultural richness and continuity of Ethiopian heritage.
History of the Taste of Ethiopia Festival
The Beginning
Our first Taste of Ethiopia Festival took place on July 28, 2013, at Laredo Elementary School in Aurora. Anticipation was high thanks to an article in the Denver Post titled “Taste of Ethiopia 2013 in Aurora a palate pleaser via ethnic food,” which spotlighted the event just days before it occurred. This coverage significantly boosted attendance, drawing a crowd of nearly 5,000 people. Guests enjoyed a vibrant display of Ethiopian culture, food, and music.
Although we faced the challenge of running out of food due to the unexpected turnout, the day was nonetheless celebrated as a great success and marked the beginning of what would become a beloved annual event.
Growth and Transformation
Following the inaugural festival’s overwhelming success, the Taste of Ethiopia expanded to accommodate a growing number of attendees and vendors. In 2014, we moved the festival to Central Park, located within what was then known as the Stapleton neighborhood.
This move was crucial for accommodating the increasing crowds and enhancing the festival’s offerings, from a richer array of food options to diverse cultural performances. The relocation helped solidify the festival’s reputation as a key cultural event in Denver, drawing even larger audiences and establishing new traditions in Denver’s summer festival scene.
Becoming a Key Part of Denver Days
From its third year on, the Taste of Ethiopia Festival became part of Denver Days, a city-wide initiative launched by former Mayor Michael Hancock to celebrate and strengthen community bonds. Denver Days promotes neighborhood gatherings across Denver during the first weekend of August, focusing on community spirit and engagement.
The inclusion of the Taste of Ethiopia in Denver Days has allowed the festival to reach a broader audience, showcasing the vibrant Ethiopian culture and traditions through its annual celebrations.
Since then, the Taste of Ethiopia Festival has been hosted at Parkfield Lake Park, located in northeast Denver, set against the scenic backdrop of the Parkfield Lake Park Amphitheater.
Navigating Challenges
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Taste of Ethiopia hosted a virtual festival and for the subsequent two years dedicated all its resources and volunteers to efforts in helping the community throughout the pandemic.
After a 3-year break from in-person events, the festival returned in 2023 to Parkfield Lake Park, to an overwhelming public response and record-breaking attendance, proving that the community’s love for the festival remained strong. For 10 years now, the Taste of Ethiopia Festival has become a cherished tradition in Denver, standing as a cornerstone of the city’s summer calendar.
