A Day in Palenque: Spirit, Culture, and Living Ancestry
- Denise Lemon-Price
- Dec 21, 2025
- 3 min read
There are travel days that entertain you…and then there are days that stay with you.
Our visit to Palenque, Colombia was one of those days—a deeply moving experience rooted in history, spirit, and living tradition. Just outside Cartagena, Palenque stands as the first free African town in the Americas, a place where African heritage is not only remembered but actively lived, shared, and celebrated. From the moment we arrived, we felt it. The rhythm was different. The energy was grounded. The community welcomed us not as tourists, but as family.
Honoring Ancestral Healing
One of the most meaningful moments of our visit was meeting with a respected spiritual healer in the community. In Palenque, healers—often called curanderos—carry generations of ancestral knowledge. Their role is to help restore balance between the body, spirit, and emotions using prayer, natural herbs, spiritual guidance, and ritual.
As we sat together in that sacred space, listening and reflecting, we felt a sense of peace and grounding. It was a reminder that healing doesn’t always come from modern medicine alone—it also comes from faith, ancestry, and community.
Resilience and Community Care
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Palenque relied heavily on unity, traditional remedies, and collective care. The community checked on one another, protected elders, and leaned into spiritual practices passed down through generations. The strength of Palenque during such a challenging time was not measured in numbers, but in togetherness, resilience, and belief.
Dancing With the Next Generation
Joy lives in Palenque—and it moves to its own rhythm. We had the honor of dancing with local students, whose energy, pride, and passion were infectious. As drums echoed and feet moved in sync, we weren’t just watching culture—we were participating in it. Laughter filled the space as generations connected through music and movement, reminding us that dance is both celebration and storytelling.
Sweet Traditions and Shared Stories
Another highlight of our day was visiting a local woman known throughout the community for making traditional sweets. She welcomed us with warmth and pride as she shared her craft, offering us a taste of flavors that have been passed down through generations.
Each sweet carried a story—of survival, creativity, and care. Supporting her was more than a purchase; it was an exchange of respect and appreciation for the role women play in preserving culture.
All Hands on Deck, Connected to the Land
We also rolled up our sleeves and took part in a traditional activity—mashing, a practice deeply rooted in daily life and food preparation. Feeling the texture, using our hands, and learning the process reminded us of the labor, patience, and love that go into sustaining a community.
It was a simple moment, yet profoundly grounding—connecting us directly to the land and the traditions that nourish both body and soul.
What We Took With Us
Palenque gave us more than memories. It gave us perspective.
We felt:
Deep respect for ancestral wisdom
Gratitude for resilience and survival
Joy through music and movement
Connection through shared traditions
Sisterhood strengthened by experience
As African American women traveling together, standing in a place founded by Africans who refused to surrender their identity, this day carried powerful meaning.
Another Priceless Memory
Our time in Palenque was not about sightseeing—it was about connection, reflection, and honoring our roots. We left with full hearts, deeper understanding, and gratitude for a community that opened its arms and shared its story with us.
This day will forever remain Another Priceless Memory.
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