Patriotic Background

Patriotic Background

Andrea V

            It is very easy to find people from different countries in Panama. This is due to the influx of foreign enterprises, as well as our past history. Panama is a place that has a broad number of races living under the same sky. We accept people, and embrace changes with our heads held high. There is no standard Panamanian. 

            But there are some singular things that identify Panama, here and abroad, and one of them is La Pollera , our national dress. Our bonds with Spain since the discovery of the New World by Cristopher Columbus, brought deeply rooted influences in many aspects of Panamanian life. This was specially developed in the central provinces of Los Santos, Herrera, and Coclé. The Pollera we use as our national garment was inspired by gypsy, Andalucian and Valencian influences.  The tradition of wearing Polleras has been in Panama since 1650.  Polleras were worn by maids and low class village people until the restauration of Ferdinand VII, when Santa Ana was shot up by 30 women dressed in Polleras. Since then, Polleras are worn by women from all the social classes.

           

It takes a lot of time to create a Pollera, sometimes years. They are hand sewn by women, using fabrics, filigree and lace from Europe. They are filled with flowered embroidery. Using different techniques, they create unique masterpieces on the white

fabric, using white or a particular color of thread and lace. Polleras are worn with gold necklaces, some pearls and corals, dipped coins or chained necklaces.

The Pollera is so important in our culture that many events are held where it is the central motive. To mention La Pollera is to mention Panama.   Contests to choose the best  Pollera are held every year, as well as La Dama de la Pollera Contest where a lady is chosen for her beauty and best dress. The Parade of One Thousand Polleras takes place in Los Santos every year, and draws thousands of visitors.

Seeing the Polleras, awaken memories of my childhood. When I was about 5 years old I attended classes of Panamanian folklore dances. These classes required to use a long skirt simulating a Pollera. The teacher not only made important remarks on how to dance, and move along the floor, but also on how to show off the Pollera. For special occasions we were asked to have a complete Pollera attire, that includes the matching flat shoes, neck and chest jewelry, and special hair style and ornaments called tembleques. My mother and a friend of her dressed me, and applied make up on my face. My sister also participated. We enjoyed the music, the dance, and the attention we grabbed from the public attending the shows. My parents have many photographs from those occasions.