Top 10 Celebrities with Palenquero Heritage

The Palenquero people are an Afro-Colombian ethnic group who live in the town of San Basilio de Palenque, in the department of Bolívar, Colombia. Here are 10 of the most popular celebrities and notable people from the Palenquero ethnicity:

• Benkos Biohó: He was an African prince who led a group of enslaved Africans to freedom in the early 17th century. He founded the town of San Basilio de Palenque, which was the first free town in the Americas.
• María del Rosario Congo: Known as “La Negra Congo,” she was a Palenquera woman who sold tropical fruits in Cartagena during the 18th century. She was also a poet and a composer, and her songs are still sung today.
• Manuel Zapata Olivella: He was a Palenquero writer, anthropologist, and sociologist. He wrote many books about the Palenquero people and their culture, including “Changó, el gran putas.” He also founded the Museum of the Palenque Culture.
• Petrona Martínez: She is a Palenquera singer and songwriter. She is known for her traditional Palenquera music, which combines African and Spanish influences. She has won many awards for her music, including the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album.
• Juancho Rois: He was a Palenquero musician who played the accordion. He was a member of the vallenato group Los Diablitos, and he helped to popularize vallenato music in Colombia and around the world.
• Alfredo Gutiérrez: He is a Palenquero musician who plays the accordion and sings. He is known for his traditional vallenato music, which combines African and Spanish influences. He has won many awards for his music, including the Grammy Award for Best Vallenato Album.
• Totó La Momposina: She is a Palenquera singer and songwriter. She is known for her traditional Palenquera music, which combines African and Spanish influences. She has won many awards for her music, including the Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album.
• Margarita Rosa de Francisco: She is a Palenquera actress and television presenter. She is known for her roles in telenovelas such as “Café con aroma de mujer” and “La mujer en el espejo.” She has also won many awards for her work, including the Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Telenovela.
• Juan Pablo Raba: He is a Palenquero actor. He is known for his roles in films such as “The 33” and “Narcos.” He has also won many awards for his work, including the Premios India Catalina for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Telenovela.
• Luis Díaz: He is a Palenquero footballer. He plays for the Colombian national team and Liverpool F.C. He is known for his speed, dribbling skills, and goalscoring ability. He has won many awards for his footballing achievements, including the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League Golden Boot award.

Palenquero Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Palenquero community is a vibrant Afro-Colombian group with a rich cultural heritage. This community is descended from escaped African slaves who established their own autonomous settlements, known as palenques, during the colonial period in Colombia. Today, the Palenquero people continue to preserve their unique language, traditions, and art forms, giving a glimpse into a significant chapter of Colombia’s history.

1. Palenquero Language

One of the most distinctive features of the Palenquero community is their language. Palenquero, also known as Palenque, is an Afro-Caribbean creole language with Spanish and Portuguese influences. It evolved from various African languages and served as a means of communication among enslaved Africans and their descendants. The Palenquero language is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, and efforts are being made to preserve and revitalize it.

2. San Basilio de Palenque

The village of San Basilio de Palenque is the heart of the Palenquero community. Located about 50 kilometers from Cartagena, it is considered the first free African town in the Americas. Founded by Benkos Biohó, a legendary African leader who escaped slavery, San Basilio de Palenque became a safe haven for escaped slaves and a stronghold against Spanish colonial rule. Today, the village is a living testament to the Palenquero heritage, with its colorful streets, traditional houses, and lively music and dance performances.

3. Cimarron Heritage

The Palenquero community has deep roots in the cimarron heritage, which refers to the resistance and resilience of enslaved Africans who escaped from plantations and formed independent settlements. These communities, known as cimarron or palenque communities, were a source of inspiration and hope for enslaved people seeking freedom. The Palenquero community continues to celebrate and honor their cimarron heritage through music, dance, and storytelling, keeping alive the stories of bravery and defiance that define their history.

Conclusion

The Palenquero community is a living testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the African diaspora in Colombia. Their language, San Basilio de Palenque, and cimarron heritage are just a few examples of the historical inheritances that have shaped the Palenquero identity. By preserving and sharing these traditions, the Palenquero community ensures that their history and cultural legacy will continue to inspire and educate future generations.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Raizal, Afro Colombian and Cocos Malays roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Palenquero People

Country	Population	Official Language
Colombia	Approximately 2,500	Spanish (with Palenquero as a recognized regional language)
Palenque de San Basilio	Approximately 3,500	Palenquero

References to the Palenquero Ethnic Group

There are several references and resources available to dig deeper into the Palenquero ethnic group. These include:

• Palenque de San Basilio: Palenque de San Basilio is a village in Colombia that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance as the only surviving Palenquero community. Exploring the history, traditions, and language of this community can provide valuable insights into the Palenquero ethnic group.
• Literature and Academic Studies: There are various books, academic articles, and research papers that focus on the Palenquero ethnic group. These include “Palenque: The Palenquero Language in Colombia and Its Debates” by Armin Schwegler and America Ngombe Ndjendja, “The Palenque Phenomenon: Linguistic and Sociocultural Aspects” edited by Armin Schwegler, John McWhorter, and Liane Ströbel, and numerous scholarly studies available through academic databases.
• Documentaries and Films: Visual media can also provide a deeper understanding of the Palenquero ethnic group. Documentaries and films like “Champeta “by Sandra Sánchez and “Palenques of Colombia” by Carlos Delgado Montes can offer a closer look at the culture, traditions, and history of the Palenquero people.
• Anthropological and Ethnographic Resources: Anthropological and ethnographic studies provide detailed insights into the Palenquero ethnic group. Exploring works by researchers such as Maria Cristina Salcedo-Bueno, Jane Freeland, and William J. Luther can shed light on the social, cultural, and historical aspects of the Palenquero people.

By utilizing these resources, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the Palenquero ethnic group, their history, language, cultural practices, and their significance within Colombia and beyond.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.