In the era of slavery, Palenquera women were pivotal in the emancipation of San Basilio de Palenque. Their resourcefulness and limited oversight from their masters enabled them to craft escape plans, ingeniously utilizing braids in their hair to denote escape routes, thus aiding in the establishment of the initial palenques.

Since colonial times, the Palenque woman has served as a cornerstone of society, showcasing remarkable ingenuity and survival prowess. She ingeniously utilized her hair’s texture to weave braids, which doubled as maps leading to various Palenques in the area. These braids served multiple purposes, enabling the transportation of gold, which was bartered for food from indigenous communities en route to Palenque. Furthermore, she carried seeds that were later cultivated, becoming the primary sustenance for maroon communities.

At the heart of the family unit, the palenquera woman shoulders the primary responsibility of instilling values that fortify society. Through diligent effort and unwavering dedication, she educates her children while earning a livelihood by selling traditional sweets. Using local fruits such as coconut, papaya, guava, and pineapple, she crafts the renowned cocadas, which she markets both locally and in various Colombian cities. This endeavor not only sustains her family but also funds her children’s education. Indeed, many professionals hailing from San Basilio de Palenque owe their academic pursuits to the hard work of their palenquera mothers.

Palenquera women have also made indelible contributions to music. Despite the drum being traditionally associated with men for centuries, Graciela Salgado shattered this stereotype by becoming the first woman in Colombian history to master the instrument. As a vital member of the second generation of the ensemble “Las Alegres Ambulancias,” she earned tributes and acclaim for her enriching influence on Afro-Colombian culture. Carrying on her mother’s legacy, her daughter, known as “La Brugó,” propagated palenquera culture worldwide through her musical endeavors. Together with “Las Alegres Ambulancias,” they have proudly represented their community across various countries, including Canada, the United States, Germany, Spain, England, and France.