Sarita Colonia | |
|---|---|
 Only existing photo of Colonia, taken in 1926 | |
| Born | Sara Colonia Zambrano 1 March 1914 Huaraz, Peru |
| Died | 20 December 1940 (aged 26) Lima, Peru |
| Venerated in | Folk Catholicism |
Sara Colonia Zambrano (1 March 1914 – 20 December 1940), popularly known as Sarita Colonia, was a Peruvian woman who became a folk saint after her death. 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.