Ecuador - Pilgrimage “Retorno al Palenque de La Libertad”

The pilgrimage “Retorno al Palenque de La Libertad” (Return to the freedom refuge La Libertad) takes place on the beach of Portete, in Esmeraldas, and it is a symbolic event developed by the afro Ecuadorian population in commemoration of the arrival of the first men and women from Africa in Ecuadorian territory in the 16th century, in 1553. This initiative was promoted by afro Ecuadorian organizations who carried out a solemn celebration three years ago– on the 460th anniversary of the landing (three years ago) with the objective of establishing the tradition.