As the sun rose, we entered the famous bay of Portobelo, surrounded by lush, green-forested hills with Spanish forts nestled into the horseshoe bay. Known in the 17th century as the stronghold of the Spanish Main’s most prized location, Portobelo received and transported the bulk of Peruvian treasures between the Americas. Today it stands as a testament of time, still displaying its mighty forts that engaged in multiple pirate attacks, still standing among the ancestral Afro-Colonial residents that made this town their home.
We took advantage of a cool morning breeze to walk through the historic town, visiting the forts and the famous Church of the Black Christ. Thousands of devotees have been making this pilgrimage every October 21 for over 200 years.
Our morning ended with the famous Congo Dances that depict the Afro-Colonial period of slavery, which today erupts in energetic song and dance unique to Portobelo.
