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National Pollera Contest

Date: May 5, 2013

Location: National Theater, Old Town, Panama City

This national event unites experts and lovers of folklore and the art of sewing our traditional Panamanian dress, the pollera. It will take place on Sunday, May 5 at 4:00 p.m., and the 2013 venue is the National Theater of Panama in Panama City. 

One day prior to the contest, on Saturday, May 4th, a large group of specialists will gather in a forum to exchange opinions on various topics related to this costume, such as the design and sewing, jewelry, accessories and the balance in the overall ensemble of donning a pollera outfit.

The competition, organized by Rolando Domingo and Raúl Arango, seeks to establish certain guidelines and parameters different from previous years. Per the recommendations of contest experts, they have therefore decided to conduct a pre-screening process to eliminate any unforgivable errors in design or production of the pollera from proceeding to the final round, thus preserving a respect for the very essence of our traditional dress.

Based on this criteria, 10 contestants in each category of elegant pollera dresses will be chosen to participate in the final round of the competition.

Polleras patterned with dragons, parrots and macaws, adorned with sequins or lacking the obligatory white background are a few examples of major faulty designs that have been previously presented in contests and as such were rejected. Consequently, we now request that all interested contestants send us a photo of the pollera they wish to submit in the contest as part of a pre-selection, and those who pass will be sent the official contest registration form. Contestants have until April 15 to email the pictures of the pollera skirt to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The registration fee of $100.00 will be divided into $40.00 per pollera and $60.00 in tickets for admission, available in denominations of $30.00, $20.00 and $5.00.

All registered contestants will also have the right to participate alongside experts on various topics in the National Pollera Forum on the previous day, which seeks to protect our national dress from distortions and preserve its authenticity.

 

1. Prizes for Elegant or Gala Pollera Category

  • Cross-stitch
  • Shaded
  • Darned or embroidered

1st prize

B/. 500.00 and medal for pollera model

B/. 500.00 and diploma for artisans

2nd Prize

B/. 300.00 and medal for pollera model

B/. 300.00 and diploma for seamstress

3rd Prize

B/. 200.00 and medal for pollera model

B/. 200.00 and diploma for seamstress

Edgardo de Leon Madariaga Medal

Awarded to the seamstress in the top 3 places who achieves the highest score in tailoring and craftsmanship.

Ramona Emilia La Trona Lefevre Prize

Awarded to the seamstress in the top 3 places in the elegant or gala pollera category, with the winner chosen either at random or by score. The winner will receive the magnificent Ramona Emilia La Trona Lefevre necklace, the most prestigious prize in this contest.

 

2. Prizes for Elegant or Festive Montuna Pollera Category

Ensembles can be accessorized with hair deocrations or hat.

1st Prize

B/. 300.00 and medal for elegant montuna pollera model 

B/. 300.00 and diploma for seamstress

2nd Prize

B/. 300.00 and medal for elegant montuna pollera model 

B/. 300.00 and diploma for seamstress

3rd Prize

B/. 200.00 and medal for elegant montuna pollera model 

B/. 200.00 and diploma for seamstress

Nelly Velasco Medal

Awarded to selected elegant or festive montuna pollera.

 

3. Prizes for Regional Polleras

  • The following regional styles of pollera are admitted:

1 - Polleras from Chiriquí

2 - Polleras from Veraguas

3 - Polleras from Penonomené and Antón

4 - Polleras from Ocú

5 - Polleras from Conga

6 - Poleras from Darién

7 - Polleras from Chepa

  • For each of these regions to remain open in this category of the competition, each must have at least three (3) polleras registered.
  • Only one prize will be awarded per regional style of pollera.

Dora Perez de Zarate Prize: Awarded to best regional pollera that preserves all the elements of tradition and excellence in the tailormanship, accessories and overall appearance, according to the type of skirt.

 

4. Prizes for Elegant or Gala Pollera Youth Category 

Only one prize will be awarded to a contestant aged 8 to 14 years old. 

B/. 300.00 and medal for the young pollera model

B/. 300.00 and diploma for seamstress

The winner of this category will receive the Gago Maricarmen Medal, created to instill and keep alive the love of our traditional dress by the two-time winner of the title National Pollera Lady, who first achieved this award at the age of 15 years.

Tickets on sale at the following locations:

Rolando Domingo office

Arango florist shop

Felipe Motta Marbella

Ticket prices:

B/. 30.00

B/. 20.00

B/. 5.00

More Information:

270-8010

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