By Linda Tancs
Despite their name, Panama hats did not originate in Panama. They are made in Ecuador, the product of a long history in weaving. In fact, UNESCO added the traditional weaving of the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. You can shop for hats and wicker (another popular souvenir) at the market in Montecristi near Manta, a port city. Montecristi was formed in the 1500s at the time of the Spanish conquest, originally populated with inhabitants of Manta fleeing from pirates.
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Ecuador is amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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My pleasure!
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