The Winter 2026 Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, have come and gone, but the lasting impression of stylish baskets remains in my mind.
Colombia's small team, consisting of cross country skier Fredrik Fostad and three coaches, walked in the opening ceremony sporting sombrero vueltiaos upon their heads. What knockouts!
Town & Country magazine included Colombia in its list of "The Best Opening Ceremony Uniforms at the 2026 Winter Olympics" due to their "brightly patterned jackets." It's too bad they missed the opportunity to talk up these amazing hats! https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/sporting/a70202021/best-dressed-teams-2026-winter-olympics-opening-ceremony/
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| Columbian team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. |
Just what are these Colombian favorites?
The fibers of the Caña flecha palm (Gynerium sagittatum) are separated and dried in the sun for the white color, and then dyed in mud for the black color. The weaving technique has been used by the Zenú people in the Sinú River region since before colonization, and continues to be used by them today. They braid strips of fibers together, which are then sewn together in elaborate patterns.
Although the black and white hats are traditional, artists are employing more colors in some contemporary pieces. A number of bright and wonderful sombreros vueltiaos are available on the Best of Colombia Group website, which notes that they work with over 80 families of artists to create their crafts. While the selection of hats looks enchanting, please note, I have not purchased anything from this website nor authenticated that statement about the artists. https://bestofcolombia.com/collections/sombrero-vueltiao-hats-1
For more information on this exciting national headware of Colombia, visit https://colombia.co/en/colombia-country/history/vueltiao-hat
Photo courtesy https://colombia.co/en/colombia-country/history/vueltiao-hat
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