Duke and Duchess of Sussex Set to Celebrate Afro-Colombian Culture in Upcoming Trip
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to make a significant impact in Colombia as part of their forthcoming South American tour.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the lively Petronio Alvarez Festival in Cali, which takes place from August 14 to 19. This festival is a vibrant celebration of Afro-Colombian culture, featuring an array of music, food, drinks, and fashion.
The Mayor of Cali announced the royal couple’s visit during a tourism forum in Cartagena, sharing that Harry and Meghan will dedicate a day to exploring the city’s cultural highlights.
Beyond the festival, the couple will also visit San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas, showcasing their commitment to engaging with Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and supporting social initiatives.
Located in the foothills of the Montes de María southeast of Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque is a historically significant community founded in the seventeenth century by escaped slaves. It remains unique among palenques for its enduring legacy and cultural traditions.
Recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity, San Basilio de Palenque is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The community speaks Palenquero, a distinctive Spanish-based Creole language, the only one of its kind in Latin America.
This vibrant and resilient town continues to stand as a living testament to the history and spirit of its founders, with Harry and Meghan’s visit set to shine a spotlight on its enduring legacy.
