A Historic Milestone: City of Aurora Officially Proclaims July 26 as "Isla Del Encanto Day"
- Alexander Nieves
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
AURORA, CO — The vibrant spirit of Puerto Rico has officially found a permanent home in the heart of the "Gateway to the Rockies." In a landmark moment for the local community, Mayor Mike Coffman has signed an official city proclamation declaring July 26th as Isla Del Encanto Day in the City of Aurora.
This historic achievement is the result of tireless advocacy by the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Colorado (PRCCC) and Nieves Ministries. The proclamation serves as a formal recognition of the cultural, historical, and economic contributions made by the Puerto Rican diaspora to the city’s diverse tapestry.
Recognized by "Visit Aurora"
In a significant boost for the community’s visibility, the proclamation and the inaugural Viva La Isla Del Encanto Festival were prominently featured on the official Visit Aurora website—the city’s premier destination for tourism and premier events.
Being featured by Visit Aurora places Isla Del Encanto Day alongside the city’s most prestigious cultural celebrations. The spotlight highlighted the festival’s role in bringing authentic music, traditional dance, and the "Island of Enchantment" spirit to Bicentennial Park, drawing attendees from across the Denver metro area and beyond.
A Legacy of Culture and Contribution
The proclamation, signed in the summer of 2025, honors more than just a date on the calendar; it honors a people. Mayor Coffman’s declaration notes that the Puerto Rican community has played a vital role in the growth and success of Aurora.
"This isn’t just a win for the Chamber; it’s a win for every family that carries the heritage of the island in their hearts," said Alexander Nieves, Executive Director of Nieves Ministries and the PRCCC. "To be recognized by the City and featured on Visit Aurora shows that our culture is an essential part of the Aurora story."
The Festival: A New Tradition
Coinciding with the proclamation, the inaugural Viva La Isla Del Encanto Festival transformed Bicentennial Park into a tropical escape. With the official backing of the city and the promotional power of Visit Aurora, the event successfully showcased:
Authentic Flavors: Local vendors serving mofongo, lechón, and alcapurrias.
Rhythms of the Island: Live performances ranging from traditional Bomba y Plena to modern Latin beats.
Community Connection: A space where the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce and Nieves Ministries could provide resources and support to residents.
Looking Ahead
With the successful launch of Isla Del Encanto Day and its recognition as a "must-visit" event by city tourism officials, the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Colorado looks forward to making July 26th an annual cornerstone of Aurora’s summer season.
![Experience the rhythm, flavor, and soul of Puerto Rico as we transform Aurora into the "Island of Enchantment" once again! Officially proclaimed by Mayor Mike Coffman as Isla Del Encanto Day, our second annual celebration honors Puerto Rican Constitution Day and the vibrant cultural legacy of our community in Colorado. As the state’s premier Puerto Rican festival, Viva La Isla Del Encanto is a movement to preserve our heritage and empower local entrepreneurs. Whether you are Boricua by blood or Boricua at heart, join us at Bicentennial Park for a free day of high-energy live performances, authentic cuisine, and our unique artisan market. Bring your flags and your pride—let’s make history together! [Read full article]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7d3a21_edbbcac6b31749c3b3d7234477943c82~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_229,h_220,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/7d3a21_edbbcac6b31749c3b3d7234477943c82~mv2.png)
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