Palenque is truly a little Africa in Colombia. The people here consider themselves African and are still Warriors. They are not governed like the rest of Colombia. There is no police force. A counsel of elders resolves disputes and they all grow up fiercely proud and protective of their community, language, history and way of life. The United Nations named it a protected culture and community. They consider all Africans in the diaspora to be their family and enjoy welcoming up to their safe haven.
We started in Palenque taking pictures of important murals and community centers. We then moved on the drum and cultural expressions foundation to watch a show performed by teenagers from Palenque. This is one of many ways that they preserve their culture.
Explanation of dances- https://youtu.be/xiXffMonc50
Dance 1- https://youtu.be/9LxNlABqiDI
Dance 2- https://youtu.be/-Ulnm2fGjX4
Dance 3- https://youtu.be/_0Z_UVYRuX4
Drum solo 1- https://youtu.be/P0Mqf-gA4E
Drum solo 2- https://youtu.be/eHiXaSMES_c
The show was amazing and toward the end they invited us to dance with them. Why did they do that? BEST is not shy... EVER!!! Needless to say we all had sooooo much fun. There was a dance off and much more.
On our way out I bought us some snack and we made donations our new dance buddies. Seeking the youth takenso much pride in their culture and still be able to kick is with teens from another continent and culture is worth encouraging and investing in.
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