Within the activities that celebrate the religious festivities of Santa Librada, at Las Tablas, Los Santos Province, La Pollera Festival stands out. An event alluding La Pollera, the typical costume of Panama that has won more contests around the world than any other, for its beauty and masterful confection. This is the 61st edition of the Festival and will be held from July 19 to 23 of this year.
If you want to know all about how to wear the Panamanian Pollera, the placing of the jewelry and tembleques, even the needlework, you can’t miss “La Pollera National Contest – Margarita Lozano Medal” (in behalf of the first queen of the contest). This is the most demanding selection for the best female typical costume in the country. It is because artisans from Las tablas and the rest of the country are very protective of their costums. Especially in the making, dressing and looks of our typical costume.
In this contest the ladies wearing their typical Pollera costume are evaluated in these categories: Polleras Montunas, Regional Gala Pollera, Polleras Sombreadas, Polleras Marcadas, Polleras Zurcidas or embroidered Polleras. All these categories will be evaluated by twelve judges divided in four groups: judges for costume confection, judges for hair, flowers and hat. There will be judges also for donaire and grace of the participants as well as for the manufacturing of accessories and tembleques.
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One of the most anticipated moments in this 2019 Festival for all Santeños (people from Los Santos Province) is to see their majesty Maria Gabriela Cano Lozano, Queen of la Pollera 2019, walking across the town wearing a beautiful Pollera up to where the contest is being held, showing the joy that characterizes people from Los Santos.
Previous to the Festival’s main contest, on July 19 a procession will be held at 7pm in homage to the Virgin Santa Librada patron of Las Tablas . On Saturday the 20th, a solemn mass will be held at 10am at Santa Librada Church. Later at night the National Violins Contest Climaco Batista will be held from 7pm.
Los Santos Province stands out for their joy and hospitality, inviting Visitors to come and attend all contests being held at the Pandeportes Gimnasium and Auditorium at Las Tables, home of Panama’s folklore.
For more information on more events and contests visit the festival’s instagram: @festivalnacionaldelapollera
