Gabriel Villar stands up with first place and prize for male elegance at "The 2026 Shirt contest"
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Panama, July 31, 2026. - The "Winner's 2026 contest," held at the National Crafts Fair, had as its winner Gabriel Villar, from the province of Los Santos, with a piece made by the artisan Elvia Rosa De León. Villar was also a winner of the special prize awarded to male elegance.
In addition to the highest prize, the Jury awarded his second place to Jaime Pérez, from the province of Los Santos with a nightgown made by the well-known artisan and Folklorist Titus Combe.
The third place was for Gabriel Cañizales from Panama West, with a piece prepared by the artisan Carlos González. Twelve participants were registered at this contest.
In addition to public recognition, the three winners received cash prizes as an encouragement to their dedication and talent. In a special distinction, the prize for Donaire and Men's Elegance was awarded to Gabriel Villar as well, while recognizing not only the quality of their clothing but also the bearing and distinction with which they put their garment.
The contest of this year, established by Resolution MC-OAL-Rn.091-2026 and organized by the National Handicraft Management of the Ministry of Culture, gave an emotional and posthumous tribute to Dona Edilia Edicta Castillo de Vásquez. The event had as its main goal to highlight the cultural importance of the nightsittings, a pledge that symbolizes the identity, elegance and thorough work of the Panamanian creators and thus preserve an invaluable cultural heritage.
A Jury of Excellence, composed of three well-known artisan teachers, had the hard task of evaluating the pieces put forward by the participants.
The assessment was based on strict technical and artistic criteria that define the authenticity and quality of the Panamanian nightsittings, including the use of traditional fabrics, precision in handmade tights and espits and proper performance of details such as necks and billing.
The Ministry of Culture congratulates Gabriel Villar, Jaime Pérez and Gabriel Cañizales for these well-deserved recognition and extends his gratitude to all interested artisans and to the qualifying jury for their contribution to the success of this event that brings our culture to light.
