Paletas Take Flight: DIA Turns Beloved Street Carts Into Colorful Art
Denver International Airport has unveiled a vibrant new public art exhibition celebrating the cultural legacy of paleteros — the street vendors known for selling colorful Mexican ice pops in Latino neighborhoods across Denver and beyond.
The installation, titled Westwood Paletero Stories, features seven brightly decorated paletero carts now on display in Ansbacher Hall near the A-Bridge at Denver International Airport. Each cart is inspired by real-life stories from local paleteros and reflects their everyday experiences, resilience, and role in the community. The exhibition originally appeared last year at Re:Vision in Denver’s Westwood neighborhood before making its move to the airport this month.
Seven artists contributed to the project, including Thomas “Detour” Evans and Danielle SeeWalker, using bold colors and imagery to highlight the importance of paleteros within Latino culture. The exhibition was organized by local artist Juls Mendoza in partnership with Re:Vision and History Colorado.
A paleta is a traditional Mexican ice pop, typically made with fruit and known for its bright colors — a detail that carries through the artwork itself. The exhibition will remain on display through March 30, giving travelers a chance to experience a piece of Denver’s neighborhood culture while passing through the airport.
