To promote and preserve the technique of making the traditional Poncho Para’i of 60 Stripes, a live weaving contest was launched for the piece, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Master artisans from the city of Piribebuy, birthplace of this fabric, can register until Monday, May 18. The competition will be on Wednesday, May 20.
The initiative is part of the National Safeguard Plan for the Poncho Para’i of 60 Stripes, whose technique was recognized in 2023 by UNESCO and included in the list of urgent safeguarding. Unlike other Latin American ponchos made on pedal or mechanical looms, the para’i is produced on a backstrap loom, where the artisan supports and tensions the threads with their own body, guiding each fiber with artisanal sensitivity.
The contest is aimed at master artisans over 18 years old, residing in Piribebuy and with an updated artisan registration. Registrations are digital until May 18. The in-person test will take place on May 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Demetrio Ortiz Cultural Center, María Auxiliadora neighborhood, in Piribebuy. Participants must work individually on their backstrap looms, with the warp already set up, demonstrating skill in 15 minutes to weave the greatest possible length.
A jury of experts will evaluate mastery of the technical elements of the backstrap loom (heddles, rules, batten and shuttle), the regularity of the weft, the tension and compaction of the fabric. Three winners will be selected, receiving cash prizes: first place, USD 644; second, USD 460; third, USD 276.
More information is available on the social networks of the National Secretariat of Culture, the Paraguayan Institute of Crafts and the Pussineri Foundation.