At an emotional ceremony that marks the preamble to the "Mil Polleres 2026 Parade, the Ministry of Culture and the Tourism Authority of Panama gave recognition to four outstanding personalities and figures: Bella Herminda" Minda "Gonzalez de Cedeño, Balbino Gómez, Carolina Alonso and Lucrecio" Yejo "Cedeño, Portors of the Vivo Cultural Heritage of the Nation."

That tribute was awarded under the distinction "Stars of the Panamanian Folklore 2026," in recognition of exemplary figures from the artisan world, typical music, composition and tamborito that with their talent, trajectory and commitment have contributed significantly to strengthening, transmission and preservation of Panamanian traditions.

A formal surrender of the flag of the La Mil Polleas 2026 Parade to María Eugenia Herrera, Minister of Culture, was also held at the event of recognition.

The well-known artisan, José del Carmen "Tito" Combe specialized in the manufacture of typical dresses, is the flag by the Ministry of Culture and will accompany Minister Herrera to walk through the streets of Las Tallas during the parade.

Gloria de León, General Administrator of the Tourism Authority of Panama and an organizer of the parade, gave up the flags and emphasized that "when the entities work together wonderful things come about."
He also recognised the honors "because thanks to them we can prove to all Panama that we are culture and beauty and we can export work and talent to the world."

For her part, Minister Herrera received this distinction with emotion and said to carry with humility and pride the flag as testimony
from a country that recognizes in its culture a path of encounter, joy and peace, and that opens its doors to the world with respect and national pride.

The event had a festive and musical play with artists, such as Osvaldo Ayala and Isaac De León, whose performances put the public to singing, dancing and singing their songs.

The information of the honors

Bella Herminda "Minda" Gonzalez de Cedeño, an artisan from San José de Las Tablas with more than 60 years of work in the production of polleras, has created pieces that have been dedicated to national and international competitions. In 2012 she obtained the Medal Margarita Lozano with a pollera beamed in seven tones. Besides his work, she has been a teacher of tens of young people, passing on technologies and values of Santeño's textile art.

Balbino Gómez, a singer born at Carricillal (1959), with more than 40 years of his career. He was vocalist of sets such as Luis Espino and Chelo Mitre and for 33 years of Ulpiano Vergara as a whole and became one of the most popular and representative voices of his gender. Since 2019 he has been with his son at the Duo de Oro project, promoting his typical legacy to new generations.

Carolina Alonso, a Spanish composer with 55 registered works and many became national success. Her first great recognition was with Penas (1989), performed by Victorio Vergara and Lucy Quintero. He has worked with artists such as Ulpiano Vergara and Juancín Henríquez and for 30 years wrote more than 40 unique themes for Samy and Sandra Sandoval.

Lucrecio "Yejo" Cedeño, songwriter of the genus tamborito with 33 years of race and more than 50 recordings. He has spread the tamborito as the root of Panamanian music with themes such as "The Sortija He gave me and the widow has cabanga." He has collaborated with figures such as Lucrecio Cedeño, Colaquito Cortez and Manuelito Gómez. His work aims to project the tamborito as a living heritage at national and international level.