Contents
Yarey hat a protection against the hot sun of Cuba.
The refrain of a well-known Cuban song performed by the popular Manzanillo Original Orchestra says Who has seen my yarey hat out there? which attests to the importance of this garment in the history and traditions of that island.
Its use was limited several years ago only to the peasantry, who made it their inseparable ally to protect themselves from the hot sun of that nation, especially when working in agricultural work.
At present, it has already reached the cities for outings to popular festivities, parades and public events, among other activities.
As its name specifies, it is made from a material called yarey, although there are already some other variants, but they never replace the specialness of the original.
It is a fresh garment, easy to make, very light and with wide wings to better cover the face from sun damage.
History of the yarey hat
For sure, it is not recorded in history who made the first copy of these hats, but what is clear is that the Cuban mambises used it in their struggle for independence, with the difference that the front part was turned up and They placed a small flag on it.
According to the ancient tradition, how important it is for Cubans that this type of garment is still present, it is considered by many as the national hat.
The material with which it is made comes from a plant of the palm family and is called yarey or guano, with the threads that are extracted from it, this comfortable and utilitarian attribute is woven that is liked by natives and foreigners who come to that Caribbean land.
The hat today.
Today the yarey hat is still used by the Cuban peasantry but it has also gained so many followers inside and outside borders that even designers are beginning to include them in their designs and catalogs, although with differences in formats, models and materials.
