| Yes. The attire of the typical coffee farmer has | | | | heat protectors placed around coffee cups. |
| remained unchanged for generations. The Juan Valdez | | | | - A "poncho" or rectangular piece of striped, |
| icon preserves the tradition for posterity. | | | | embroidered white and black or brown fabric for |
| In the fields, the Colombia coffee farmer wears many | | | | protection from cold for the face and neck. |
| of the following clothing items for work and social | | | | - A "ruana" or square wool garment, larger and heavier |
| activities. The attire is practical, each element has a | | | | than a "poncho," with a hole in the middle for the head |
| purpose and the clothing is easily accessible for | | | | used to cover the torso. The "ruana" is one of the |
| purchase or is handmade by the farming families. | | | | most popular woven items worn throughout Colombia |
| Next time you look at a photo of Juan Valdez, you will | | | | in all lengths, colors, and weight. |
| recognize each of these clothing items that truly | | | | - A leather apron called "tapapiche." |
| represent a coffee farmer's attire. And, of course, | | | | - A straw hat typical of rural Colombia. |
| Conchita, the mule, will be right by his side. | | | | - A machete or large heavy knife used to cut |
| - The coffee farmer is called an "arriero." | | | | vegetation. |
| - An "arriero" is a muleteer or person who transports | | | | - A "carriel" " or traditional farmer's leather satchel, |
| merchandise with the help of pack animals. Juan | | | | similar in appearance to a saddlebag, worn over the |
| Valdez is the perfect representation of an "arriero." | | | | shoulder. |
| - He wears sandals made out of natural fiber from | | | | Many of these clothing items, as a result of the |
| furcrae ("fique") plants and leather. | | | | successful iconic image of Juan Valdez, have become |
| - "Fique" is closely associated with coffee plants and | | | | stylish and are available throughout the country in |
| coffee farmers. The natural hemp fiber is used to | | | | different materials, colors and styles. |
| make garments, hammocks, natural products, tapestry, | | | | For now, what about enjoying a cup of Colombian |
| strings, animal accessories, sacks, and most recently | | | | Supremo? |