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( based on a report issued by the former Panama Canal magazine REVIEW, 1973 )
Today La Pollera is the national costume for women and a symbol of Panamanian nationality.
It is said that The Pollera was the apparel of slave women and nursemaid during the Spanish colonial era. Others claim that The Pollera has it beginning in Spain.
The must accepted idea is that the dress was inspired by the garment worn by the black slaves.
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There are three classes of polleras: the formal dress known as The Pollera de Gala; the Pollera Montuna, the everyday dress; and the Wedding Pollera, originally from the Ocu area.
A pollera usually consists of a blouse, skirt, one to three petticoats.
The formal pollera is made of fine white linen, cambric or voile. designs such as flowers, birds, garlands and other combinations decorates the white background of the dress.
(pictures from postcards)