Sarita Colonia

Sarita Colonia
Only existing photo of Colonia, taken in 1926
BornSara Colonia Zambrano
(1914-03-01)1 March 1914
Huaraz, Peru
Died20 December 1940(1940-12-20) (aged 26)
Lima, Peru
Venerated inFolk Catholicism

Sara Colonia Zambrano (1 March 1914 – 20 December 1940), popularly known as Sarita Colonia, was a Peruvian folk saint. Born into poverty, she moved to Lima and worked various jobs until her death at age 26. Her burial site became a common place for prayers, and she became associated with tales of miracles and piety. She became especially popular among the poor, and she also came to be associated with other marginalized groups such as migrants, sex workers, criminals, and people of the LGBT community. A shrine was built in her honor at the height of her popularity in 1983, and her image was commonly seen in Lima during this period.