Walking through the winding streets of Cartagena, Colombia, I stumbled upon a peculiar sight - women dressed in vibrant colours, their heads adorned with head wraps, carrying bowls of fruit and sweets on their heads or hands. The scene seemed almost surreal, as if they were posing for a photoshoot, only to be met by tourists snapping pictures and paying for the privilege. These women, known as "palenqueras," hailed from San Basilio de Palenque, a town over an hour away, where they made a living selling fruits and sweets.
As I delved deeper into their history, I discovered that San Basilio de Palenque was founded in the 1400s by people who escaped Spanish bondage. The town is celebrated as the first "free" town in the Americas, with its inhabitants creating their own community and language - a blend of African languages, Creole, and Spanish and Portuguese. However, I soon realized that my perception of these women was not only influenced by their bright attire but also by the centuries-long legacy of enslavement.
Standing amidst the Plaza de los Coches, once a bustling market for human beings, but now a hub for performers and street food, I found myself surrounded by the stark contrast between Cartagena's affluent tourist areas and its dark history of slavery. The palenqueras, with their radiant smiles, seemed to embody the resilience of their community in the face of oppression.
I sat down with Milena, one of these women, and asked her about her experiences. She shared that she comes from a town that is "a small Africa" - a reference to San Basilio de Palenque's origins as a haven for African people. When I asked her what it's like being part of such a community, she replied, "We have never changed the traditions; we keep our origins intact. We are protected." Her words echoed the town's determination to preserve its heritage and protect its identity.
The palenqueras' language, culture, and self-governance are all testaments to their unwavering spirit. As I struggled to reconcile the town's history with its current state, Milena offered a poignant observation: "palenqueras never have limits." This phrase resonated deeply, as it spoke to the community's unyielding determination to thrive despite the circumstances of their past.
As I continued my exploration of Cartagena, I began to understand that the palenqueras were not one-dimensional victims of history but rather living, breathing individuals who had created a new life for themselves. Their culture and language were a synthesis of their African heritage with the colonial influences that shaped them. They were neither solely defined by their past nor able to escape its consequences.
In the end, I came to realize that the palenqueras were not only familiar but also foreign - a paradox born from the complexities of human experience. They embodied the resilience and strength of a community that had been forged in the fire of adversity, yet remained deeply connected to their African roots. As I walked away from Cartagena, I felt grateful for the encounter with these women, whose stories and traditions continue to inspire me.
As I delved deeper into their history, I discovered that San Basilio de Palenque was founded in the 1400s by people who escaped Spanish bondage. The town is celebrated as the first "free" town in the Americas, with its inhabitants creating their own community and language - a blend of African languages, Creole, and Spanish and Portuguese. However, I soon realized that my perception of these women was not only influenced by their bright attire but also by the centuries-long legacy of enslavement.
Standing amidst the Plaza de los Coches, once a bustling market for human beings, but now a hub for performers and street food, I found myself surrounded by the stark contrast between Cartagena's affluent tourist areas and its dark history of slavery. The palenqueras, with their radiant smiles, seemed to embody the resilience of their community in the face of oppression.
I sat down with Milena, one of these women, and asked her about her experiences. She shared that she comes from a town that is "a small Africa" - a reference to San Basilio de Palenque's origins as a haven for African people. When I asked her what it's like being part of such a community, she replied, "We have never changed the traditions; we keep our origins intact. We are protected." Her words echoed the town's determination to preserve its heritage and protect its identity.
The palenqueras' language, culture, and self-governance are all testaments to their unwavering spirit. As I struggled to reconcile the town's history with its current state, Milena offered a poignant observation: "palenqueras never have limits." This phrase resonated deeply, as it spoke to the community's unyielding determination to thrive despite the circumstances of their past.
As I continued my exploration of Cartagena, I began to understand that the palenqueras were not one-dimensional victims of history but rather living, breathing individuals who had created a new life for themselves. Their culture and language were a synthesis of their African heritage with the colonial influences that shaped them. They were neither solely defined by their past nor able to escape its consequences.
In the end, I came to realize that the palenqueras were not only familiar but also foreign - a paradox born from the complexities of human experience. They embodied the resilience and strength of a community that had been forged in the fire of adversity, yet remained deeply connected to their African roots. As I walked away from Cartagena, I felt grateful for the encounter with these women, whose stories and traditions continue to inspire me.
the way milena says "palenqueras never have limits" is giving me LIFE 
it's like she's saying that despite being through so much, they're still pushing forward and thriving 
and honestly, i think we can all learn from their example 
they're a reminder that our identities are not defined by the past but by how we choose to move forward in the present 
These women are like living legends, their community has been through so much but still thriving 
. It's crazy how they've managed to preserve their culture and language despite all the hardships 
. I mean, can you imagine having to escape from slavery just to be free? 
It's mind-blowing that they've created a new life for themselves and are still proud of who they are 
. And Milena's phrase "palenqueras never have limits" is so inspiring, it's like they're saying they can overcome anything as long as they stick together 
.
. And yeah, I guess it's not just about the bright colors and happy smiles, but also about the strength and resilience that comes from surviving against all odds 
.
and it's like a living art piece! But what really struck me is how complex the history behind them is. I mean, they're not just colorful costumes, but also a symbol of resistance and resilience against centuries of enslavement. It's mind-blowing to think about how they've managed to preserve their African heritage and language despite all the odds. And Milena's quote "palenqueras never have limits" 
. And at the same time, they're still holding onto their heritage and traditions - it's like they're saying, "We've been here before, we know what's happened, but we're not going to let that define us." 
just saw this pics of palenqueras selling fruit & sweets on streets of Cartagena & I'm in awe 
. The fact that they came from a town where ppl escaped Spanish bondage & created their own community is seriously inspiring 
. These women r not just victims of history, but survivors who thrived despite the odds 
. I need to know more about San Basilio de Palenque & its people 
.
Those palenqueras are like a ray of sunshine in Cartagena's history - so vibrant and full of life! But what's really striking is how their community has managed to weave together this complex tapestry of African, Spanish, Portuguese influences. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've been through some dark stuff, but we're not defined by it." And I love how Milena says they "never have limits" - that's so inspiring! 
- they're not just survivors, but also powerful creators of their own culture & identity! 
Milena's phrase "palenqueras never have limits" is everything - it's like the ultimate feminist mantra 
. What I love most about these women is that they're not just carrying on traditions, but also creating new ones. They're a testament to the power of community & self-governance 
they came outta nowhere and created a whole community that's been thrivin' for centuries 
it's not just about the colors or the sweets they're sellin', it's about their culture, their language, and their history 
they're proof that even in the darkest times, ppl can come together and build somethin' beautiful 
The women are still living their culture and language, which is a mix of African, Creole, and Spanish and Portuguese influences.
They're a reminder that our past doesn't define us - we can create new lives and traditions for ourselves. I feel so grateful to have learned about the palenqueras and their story 
. I love how Milena said "palenqueras never have limits" - it's so true! They're not held back by their history, but instead, they use it as fuel to keep moving forward 
Those vibrant colors and those head wraps are everything! But it's not just their appearance that's striking - it's their spirit, their culture, and their story. I feel so lucky to have encountered them during my visit to Cartagena 
THEY'RE NOT JUST VICTIMS OF THE PAST, BUT LIVING BREATHING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE STILL FIGHTING FOR THEIR RIGHTS AND TRADITIONS TODAY 
I MEAN, CAN YOU BLAME THEM FOR WANTING TO PROTECT THEIR HERITAGE AND IDENTITY? IT'S LIKE THEY'RE SAYING "WE MAY HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT, BUT WE'RE NOT GOING TO LET IT BREAK US"