Panama participates for the first time in the Paris Tropical Carnival

Panama made its debut at the renowned Paris Tropical Carnival on July 5, marking a historic first for the nation. Thousands gathered along the Champs-Élysées to witness the Panamanian delegation present the country's vibrant cultural and folkloric heritage to a French audience.

The participation was a key component of the cultural diplomacy initiative led by Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with support from the Ministry of Culture. Ambassador to France, Joanna Villarreal, headed the delegation, which included members of the Panamanian diplomatic mission in Paris. During the parade, the Panamanian contingent offered a glimpse into the nation's principal folkloric expressions, featuring traditional garments such as the pollera de gala, pollera ocueña, basquiña, and the distinctive pollera Congo, which captivated attendees.

Ambassador Villarreal explained that this year's Paris Tropical Carnival theme focused on countries with Afro-descendant heritage. Consequently, the Panamanian delegation chose to prominently feature the pollera Congo as a significant symbol of that cultural identity. "This year the Paris Tropical Carnival was oriented towards Afro-descendant countries, so it was very important for us to highlight the pollera Congo," the diplomat stated during the event. Through this engagement, Panama enhances the promotion of its cultural patrimony on global stages, projecting the diversity of its traditions and reinforcing cultural exchange with France and other participating nations.

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This year the Paris Tropical Carnival was oriented towards Afro-descendant countries, so it was very important for us to highlight the pollera Congo.