Hundreds
of Panamanian belles dressed in Polleras (accompanied by their male
companions, the montunos) and many other regional costumes will take
over Calle 50 in Panama City’s banking district on Sunday, June
11 during the "One Thousand Pollera Parade", which has become
one of most colorful events in the capital during this time of year.
First
held in 2002 as a welcoming event for the participants of the Miss
Universe pageant held in Panama that year, the parade pays homage
to one of the most ornate national costumes in the world –a
hand-made jewel which, along with its trimmings, can cost up to US$50,000.
The Panamanian
Pollera is a descendant of the Andalusian female attire of the XVI
century, which has evolved to include African and Native American
elements as well.
The One-Thousand
Pollera Parade is organized by the Panama Government Tourism Board
(IPAT).
