Las Palenqueras are an icon that enriches the cultural wealth of Cartagena de Indias. When entering this historic city, it is practically inevitable to come across a Palenquera, selling a variety of fruits in the picturesque Historic Center.
These women grab attention with their colorful outfits and the trays of fruit they gracefully balance on their heads.
The Palenqueras form a group of women originating from San Basilio de Palenque, a town located just 45 minutes from Cartagena . This place is recognized as the first town of freed black slaves in America.
So what makes these women so special? The Palenqueras carry in their DNA the legacy of African culture and are descendants of slaves from the Spanish colonial era. They are heirs of the maroon slaves who, with tenacity and bravery, won their freedom by escaping to remote and difficult-to-access places.
These Africans, freed from the Spanish yoke, founded the "Palenques", fortifications where they could preserve their traditions, customs and, above all, their freedom.
The culture of Palenque is unique; this town not only preserves recipes handed down from generation to generation , but also has its own dialect and celebrates emblematic festivals, such as Drum Festival , which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Nowadays, Some Palenqueras travel daily from their homes in Palenque to Cartagena , while others have decided to settle completely in the city. Cartagena has always welcomed them with open arms and offers more job opportunities, allowing them to provide a better quality of life for their families.
If you're wondering where to find these exceptional women, Palenqueras are usually easily located in the most prominent tourist destinations , such as the beach, the San Felipe Castle, the Clock Tower, as well as in squares and parks in the Historic Center, such as Plaza de Bolívar and Plaza San Pedro Claver.
You will also find them near the Santo Toribio Church, walking through the streets or gathering in small groups, wearing their characteristic colorful costumes and carrying bowls full of fruits and sweets.
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Frequently asked questions
Who are the palenqueras of Cartagena?
Women from San Basilio de Palenque, about 45 minutes from Cartagena, recognised as the first town of freed slaves in the Americas. They descend from the maroons who founded the palenques and keep their own dialect, recipes and festivals such as the Drum Festival.
Where can you see the palenqueras in Cartagena?
At the tourist landmarks of the Old Town: the Clock Tower, Plaza de Bolívar, Plaza San Pedro Claver, around Santo Toribio church, the San Felipe castle and the beach, selling fruit and sweets in their colourful dresses.
Do the palenqueras live in Cartagena or in Palenque?
Both: some travel daily from Palenque to Cartagena and others have settled in the city, where they find more work opportunities for their families.
