Pollera, sombrero vueltiao and carriel: a guide to Colombian dance costumes

At a Colombian dance show, the costume speaks before the music does. The clothes tell you which region a dance comes from, and every piece has a story. Here is a quick guide so your guests know what they are looking at.

The pollera: the skirt that spins

The pollera is the long, very full skirt of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the home of cumbia. It has ruffles, ribbons and bold colors, and it is made to move: the dancer holds the edges and opens it in wide arcs as she turns. It usually comes with an off-the-shoulder blouse and flowers in the hair.

If you see a pink, blue or multicolor striped pollera, you are looking at Colombia’s Caribbean heritage.

The sombrero vueltiao

The wide-brimmed hat with black and white bands is the sombrero vueltiao. It is woven by hand from caña flecha fiber, a craft of the Zenú people in Córdoba and Sucre. A fine one can take many hours of work, and in 2004 Colombia’s Congress declared it a cultural symbol of the nation.

In the dance, the man raises it, waves it and sometimes offers it to his partner. Watch for that moment. It is usually when the crowd starts clapping.

White with a red scarf

The cumbia dancer wears white, with a red scarf at the neck and sometimes a colorful sash at the waist. The outfit is simple on purpose, so every eye goes to the pollera.

The carriel, the ruana and the paisa look

Another style comes from the mountains of Antioquia, the region around Medellín. The man carries a carriel, a leather shoulder bag once used by the muleteers who crossed the mountains, and sometimes a ruana, a wool wrap for mountain cold. The woman wears a long colored skirt, a white blouse and an apron, often with flowers in hand.

The flowers are no accident. Every August, Medellín holds the Feria de las Flores, with the silleteros parade, where growers carry huge flower arrangements on their backs.

Yellow, blue and red

Many costumes and accessories repeat the colors of the Colombian flag. And when the flag comes out on stage, get ready: that is when the Colombians in the room get on their feet.

For your event

If your family comes from a particular region, or you would like a certain costume style for photos, mention it in your request and we will tell you what we can prepare. One practical note: a pollera needs room to spin, so keep the floor clear.

Send your request or see more costumes in the photo gallery.