About Us
Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation
The Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to health equity, cultural preservation, education, economic opportunity, and civic empowerment. The Ethiopian community has had deep roots in Colorado for over half a century, beginning in the early 1970s, and our foundation is proud to carry that legacy forward. Our signature initiative, the annual Taste of Ethiopia Festival—Colorado’s largest African heritage celebration—reflects just one dimension of our broader commitment to year-round community engagement and cultural leadership.
Our foundation leads year-round initiatives that uplift immigrant and underserved communities, including public health outreach, cultural education, youth development, and workforce empowerment. These efforts are designed not only to preserve and celebrate Ethiopian heritage, but to build sustainable bridges to wellness, dignity, and opportunity for the next generation.
Our team includes committed community leaders, cultural ambassadors, educators, artists, and health equity advocates—We proudly serve as a platform for leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
OUR MISSION & VISION
Our mission is to celebrate and sustain the rich cultural heritage of Ethiopian Americans while advancing public health, educational equity, and economic mobility. We aim to be a trusted resource and powerful partner in the advancement of community well-being and cross-cultural unity throughout Colorado and beyond.
The annual Taste of Ethiopia Festival is just one expression of this mission—bringing together over 15,000 attendees each year for a vibrant experience of food, arts, music, and tradition. But our broader impact includes:
Cultural Preservation: Language instruction, traditional dance and culinary workshops, school programs, and cultural showcases across the metro area
Economic Empowerment: Entrepreneur training, small business exposure opportunities, vendor mentorship, and micro-grant access
Youth Engagement: Tutoring, college access programming, youth internships, and Ethiopian heritage leadership curriculum
Health Equity: Multilingual community health fairs, mental health support events, maternal wellness programming, and trusted health navigation services
We envision a Colorado where Ethiopian heritage is honored, immigrant voices are heard, and every family has access to resources that support health, prosperity, and safety.
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 allowed the festival to reach a broader audience and deepen its presence across the city. This partnership continued through 2023, after which the festival transitioned out of Denver Days due to outgrowing the program’s capacity.
Navigating Challenges
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Taste of Ethiopia hosted a virtual festival and 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. In 2024, we celebrated our 10-year anniversary with a two-day festival that marked another historic moment.
For over a decade now, the Taste of Ethiopia Festival has become a cherished tradition in Denver, standing as a cornerstone of the city’s summer calendar.
Recognitions and Resilience
In 2024, the Taste of Ethiopia Heritage Foundation was honored by the City of Denver with a formal proclamation—Proclamation 24-1103—passed unanimously by the Denver City Council. This milestone celebrates a decade of cultural leadership and service to the community.
We have also received Congressional Recognition twice in the United States House of Representatives. In 2017, Congressman Mike Coffman entered a Congressional Record during the 115th Congress honoring our organization’s impact and significance. In 2024, Congressman Jason Crow followed with a second Congressional Record during the 118th Congress recognizing our contributions to cultural preservation, public service, and civic engagement.
Additionally, in 2024, we were named Nonprofit of the Year by the Colorado African Chamber of Commerce. While these are among our highest honors, they represent only a portion of the awards and commendations we’ve received over the years for our dedication to cultural celebration, health equity, and economic in
A New Chapter
In 2025, the Taste of Ethiopia Festival is entering a new era. After years of exponential growth, we have officially outgrown Parkfield Lake Park. This year, the festival moves to Denver’s marquee green space—City Park Pavilion and Bandshell—an exciting milestone that reflects both our expanding footprint and our deepening impact. Coinciding with the Ethiopian New Year, the 2025 festival promises to be our most ambitious and inclusive celebration yet—bringing together communities from across the state and showcasing the strength, pride, and unity of Colorado’s Ethiopian diaspora.