POLLERA CONGA FESTIVAL By: Diana Franco Last April, the town of Portobelo was the scene for this cultural and tourist event which takes place every two years. Its main objective is to strengthen the process of conservation, development and dissemination of the rich traditions of the region This activity focuses especially on the invaluable contribution that black women and runaway slaves have had on history, and the survival and preservation of all manifestations that make up the so-called conga culture, dating back to the time of slavery. The Pollera Conga Festival is an event that is complemented by the Diablos and Congos Festival of Portobelo. The latter is directed much more at highlighting the presence and contributions of men in this culture, and is also held every two years. They are alternating, allowing each year to give the local and foreign public two different festivals, extending from the same root.
The implementation of the Pollera Conga Festival was supported by authorities such as the Tourism Authority of Panama, the National Institute of Culture, and the Executive Secretariat of the Black Race, the Municipality of Portobelo, the Colon Free Zone, Portobelo Bay Foundation and the Latin University of Panama. The event attracted thousands of tourists, who left seduced by the beauty of the skirts, cultural heritage and tourist attractions of the historic town of Portobelo. In addition, there were Congo group parades and dances. This activity also has a great gastronomic and craft fair. The development of this third Pollera Conga Festival began with an aquatic parade, with boats colorfully decorated, sailing in the Bay of Portobelo. Each represented different regions; Cacique, Portobelo, Miramar, Palenque, Maria Chiquita, Colon and Jose Pobre with a different color, and constituting a single piece with an aquatic choreography. In the Pollera Conga Parade, women participated donned in polleras. They departed from Fort Santiago de la Gloria dock, through the streets of the village to the main stage, located opposite the park. There congo groups danced on the main stage, each of the fifteen representing different groups from across the province. As part of the celebration, and in accompaniment to the parades and entertainment, attendees enjoyed a Gastronomic and Crafts Fair. Visitors tasted exquisite culinary dishes from the traditional coastal cuisine. The closing ceremony was held in the Portobelo Central Square, which was decorated to exalt the Congo Queen, Delia Barrera. Lights were as colorful as the various participating groups. The general public, without discrimination, witnessed a giant African congo drum circle, which transmitted the identity and pride of this town.