Global Unity Block Party: Discover the Sister Cities of Denver Sign

Celebrating Cultures Unveiling the Sister Cities of Denver Sign on the 16th Street Mall

Upper Downtown Neighborhood Association and Denver Sister Cities Global Unity Block Party on Tuesday, October 8th was nothing short of spectacular. As part of MyDenver Day, took over the block at Lawrence and 16th Street and turned it into a cultural playground filled with performances, music, and a whole lot of joy while unveiling the stunning Sister Cities of Denver sign, a symbol of the global connections that make Denver so unique.

The Sister Cities of Denver Sign

At the heart of the celebration was the unveiling of the Sister Cities sign, a piece of public art that beautifully represents the spirit of unity and cultural exchange that Denver shares with its ten Sister Cities. The sign, crafted by Dan Ericson (The Signtologist) and Mike Graves. The result is a masterpiece that reflects both the unique identity of each Sister City and the collective bond they share with Denver.

The Denver Sister Cities sign installation made a brief but impactful appearance earlier, where it was on display for only for five hours. This beautifully crafted piece will soon find a permanent home later this year, symbolizing Denver’s enduring global connections and cultural partnerships.

Throughout the event, attendees gathered around the sign, taking photos and learning more about the history and significance of Denver’s global partnerships. The sign speaks to the power of art in fostering international friendships and will soon find a permanent home in Upper Downtown.

A World of Street Performances

We kicked things off with an incredible line-up of performances, each showcasing the heart and soul of Denver’s Sister Cities. From the intricate dance moves of the Anugraha Dance School inspired by Denver's sister city Chennai, India, to the captivating sounds of the Shinobue Flute played by Miki Saito for Takayama, Japan—it was a global journey like no other.

The afternoon featured the incredibly talented Silas Mwenda, a singer from Nairobi, Kenya, now living in Denver, who wowed the crowd with his performance. Nyadak Pal, representing both South Sudan and Denver's sister city, Nairobi, captivated everyone with her powerful traditional dance moves and shared inspiring words of unity. Additionally, Barak Levy, a talented singer, beautifully represented Israel and Denver’s sister city, Karmiel, through his soulful performance.

And the exciting performance by Mr. Ragchaasuren with his traditional Mongolian horse-headed fiddle, representing Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia alongside the Mongolian School of Colorado. Tai Chi with Alice Moy inspired by Kunming, China brought a sense of peace engaging passersby, while The Denver Catrinas lit up the streets to celebrate Cuernavaca, Mexico, dressed in traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) style with colorful costumes and face paint added an extra layer of authenticity and joy to the celebration.

The Heart of Upper Downtown Denver

It was so amazing to see the 16th Street Mall alive and thriving again! People filled the streets, soaking in the culture, the music, and the lively atmosphere. We loved watching the community come together to celebrate diversity and global connection. It was a celebration of everything that makes Denver so special—our global ties, our sense of community, and the beauty of cultural exchange. The music, the movement, the energy!

Bringing Our Community Together

The Upper Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Dynamic Downtown Denver Grant Program played a key role in bringing the Global Unity Block Party to life, partnering with us to create a dynamic and inclusive event that truly highlighted the heart of our downtown community. Special thanks to Dan Ericson, Mike Graves, Downtown Denver Partnership, and all the incredible performers and all of our Sister Cities committees for their incredible work and support.

A Day to Remember

The Global Unity Block Party was a celebration and a powerful reminder of the connections that unite us across borders and oceans. With the unveiling of the new Sister Cities sign, Denver will add a beautiful new piece of public art that will continue to inspire unity and exchange for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for its permanent installation!