Visitors to the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame will find a refreshed installation highlighting the china poblana dress—a stunning and culturally significant garment worn by escaramuzas serving as state and national ambassadors, or reinas, of charrería, Mexico’s national sport.
These beautifully hand-crafted dresses celebrate not only the artistry and symbolism behind these exquisite garments, but also the powerful stories of the women who wear them. Traditionally reserved for formal occasions—such as coronations or the Marcha de Zacatecas, the opening parade of a charreada—the china poblana is a visual tribute to Mexican identity, femininity, and pride.
The Legacy of the China Poblana
The china poblana dress takes its name from a 17th-century legend about a woman from India brought to Puebla, Mexico, where she was baptized as Catarina de San Juan. Her legacy of resilience and cultural fusion lives on in this iconic dress, which blends Indian, Indigenous, and colonial Mexican influences. Over time, it has evolved into a national symbol of patriotism and is synonymous with the traditions of charrería and escaramuza.
These dresses are handmade in Mexico by teams of skilled artisans and can take upwards of eight months to complete. Rich in symbolism, they often feature hand-embroidered designs such as the Mexican eagle, vibrant colors of the national flag, and unique personal motifs that reflect the identity of the wearer. Accessories—such as beaded jewelry, custom-matched heels, and traditional braided hairstyles—complete the look.
Highlights of the New Installation
Each china poblana dress on display tells a distinct story through its craftsmanship:
- Silver Dress (Front Main Platform):
Created in just 15 days by a dedicated team of 10 seamstresses working around the clock, this dazzling silver gown was made for the State Ambassador of California’s coronation in 2021. Designed by Marien Prado in Mexico City, it exemplifies speed, precision, and creative collaboration. - Green Dress (Front Main Platform):
Known for its unique 3D floral embellishments on the skirt and shoulders, this dress was made by XOO Diseños in Aguascalientes for the State Ambassador of Colorado in 2019. It showcases the evolution of the traditional style with modern artistic techniques. - Blue Dress (Back Main Platform):
A heartfelt tribute to the wearer’s late grandmother, a rancher from Zacatecas, this gown incorporates butterflies as a symbol of reincarnation and a pink rebozo representing her grandmother’s signature lipstick. Crafted in 2019 by Jair Gonzales in Hidalgo for a California Delegate, it tells a story of love, loss, and legacy. - White and Red Dress (Back Main Platform):
Featuring the traditional red, white, and green palette, this gown takes on a modern silhouette with a form-fitting bodice. Designed in 2018 by Bordados Evakali in Tijuana, it bridges tradition and contemporary fashion.
A Living Tradition
The china poblana is a powerful reminder of the cultural richness embedded in Mexican heritage and women’s roles in preserving and evolving it. These dresses are not only garments—they are visual narratives woven with history, identity, and pride.
Visit the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame to experience these masterworks of textile artistry up close and to learn more about the extraordinary women who bring them to life.