What does "Palenke" mean?

Palenke references the Spanish word “palenque”, as a  platform, ring, arena or the like, used for different forms of entertainment, surrounded by seats for spectators and made with posts or stakes. Other meanings of Palenque or Palenke are:

• An ancient Mayan city, located in modern-day Chiapas, Mexico

• A type of public market common throughout the Philippines

• In Colombia and in Cuba,  palenques were walled communities which were founded by escaped slaves as a refuge in the seventeenth century (Palenque de San Basilio)

• El Gran Palenque is also home to the world-renowned dance troupe Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba. Opened in 1997, performances come from members of the Conjunto and invited guests, and take place in the large outdoor patio.

• A wooden palisade or stockade. In Mexico is also known as an arena, or a cockpit for cockfighting

• In Spain, it was one of the main arenas that held concerts in the 1982 Sevilla Universal Exhibit