“All of Cartagena is a symbol of freedom.” Gabriel García Márquez The women in Cartagena who carry fruit bowls on their heads are called Palenqueras. Descendants of San Basilio de Palenque, a village founded by escaped African slaves in the 17th century, Palenqueras represent one of the first free towns in the Americas. The tradition of selling fruits while balancing bowls on their heads has endured for centuries. Today, Palenqueras symbolize the resilience of the Afro-Colombian community. #AdamAsher #Colombia

Posted by Adam Asher at 2024-09-03 17:57:49 UTC