Paraguayan crafts, through its different garment options, are present at the Olympic Games, Paris 2024. Morena Toro, a company that promotes typical Paraguayan clothing, has the honor of dressing the lions that represent the country in the French capital.
From the Paraguayan Institute of Crafts (IPA) they explain that the color red is as the protagonist of the earth and the blood of our passion.
Each of the artisan techniques used was selected to represent Paraguay, the garments of men and women are embroidered in Ao Po’i, which means fine garment in Guaraní.
The women wear ñandutí fans, a lace that is made by hand and means spider tissue, the men wear a hat also woven by hand in a thin straw. Each craft is from a different community and is cultural heritage of Paraguay.
The artisans and artisans involved in this venture are from different parts of the country. There are experts in Ao Po’i from Yataity, Guairá department; those of Ñandutí from the city of Pirayú, Paraguarí department, and the Sombrero de Yata’i de Villalbín, Ñeembucú department.
“In these Olympics we want our athletes to be seen as ambassadors for their country, proudly bearing the identity of our Nation. The passion of Guaraní blood demonstrates the importance of the emotional and cultural connection that athletes feel with Paraguay. This mobilizes them and leads them to give their best to represent their country”, said Guadalupe Quiñonez.
He commented that the preparation of these garments with local crafts that the athletes wear, this Friday the 26th at the official opening, are the fusion of handicrafts in a single outfit.
From the Paraguayan Institute of Crafts (IPA) they refer that gala costumes are crucial to evoke national symbols and demonstrate that Paraguay is the heart of America and that its people have an immense cultural wealth that is a pillar of strength and momentum that stands out as Paraguayans.
When athletes wear garments that represent cultural tradition through the use of unique techniques with iconic colors, they can feel even more connected to their roots.
