Things We Find Joy In—June

At Alegria, June brings us a special kind of joy: the opportunity to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, sons, and elder men of San Basilio de Palenque. Father’s Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to honor the quiet strength, cultural guardianship, and everyday care our men provide. In a community that often sees women rightly celebrated for their leadership and resilience, we also take time to lift up the fathers who mentor youth, lead families and ceremonies, share ancestral wisdom, and pass down musical, linguistic, and spiritual traditions with steady grace.

Men's contributions in San Basilio de Palenque may not always be spotlighted, but they are deeply felt. Whether teaching a child to play the tambor or tending to the fields with patience and pride, Palenquero men help shape the fabric of community life. This month, we celebrate their presence and participation, reminding ourselves that joy can be found in every gesture of love, guidance, and protection. Here’s to the men of San Basilio de Palenque—your legacy lives in every rhythm, every story, and every step forward we take together.

Les Celebro, Señores!

Erin