Benkos Biohó & Wiwa
Love in the first free town of the Americas
The African leader Benkos Biohó and his companion Wiwa, who escaped slavery in Cartagena and founded San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas.
01Why it matters
Their love is bound to the founding of Afro-descendant freedom in the Americas; Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
02The conflict
Colonial slavery and Spanish persecution.
03The iconic moment
The flight into the Montes de María to found a free town.
04What survived
San Basilio de Palenque and its Palenquero language, alive today.
05Where to travel
06Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Benkos Biohó & Wiwa famous?
Their love is bound to the founding of Afro-descendant freedom in the Americas; Palenque is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How does the story of Benkos Biohó & Wiwa end?
The flight into the Montes de María to found a free town. San Basilio de Palenque and its Palenquero language, alive today.
Where can you visit the story of Benkos Biohó & Wiwa?
You can visit San Basilio de Palenque, in Bolívar. The first free town in the Americas.
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