Medellin’s Feria de las Flores takes the crown as the most impressive and vibrant cultural event in the region. The entire city immerses itself in a spirited celebration, with music and dance animating the main squares and parks. The streets become perfumed with the delightful scent of flowers, while the silleteros steal the spotlight as the city’s artistic maestros. Alongside captivating events like antique car displays, concerts, parades, and sculpture shows, it’s essential to plan ahead and catch the most highly anticipated and awe-inspiring spectacles to make the most of the Flower Festival in Colombia.
Why Is Feria de las Flores Celebrated?
This festival has its origins in the hard-working farmers of Antioquia, who used silletas (an instrument made of wood and held by ropes to the shoulders and head of the carrier) to transport flowers, fruits, vegetables, and even people from the countryside to the city! In Medellin, since the 1940s, the flower growers from Santa Elena would gather every weekend, bringing their harvests to the city center. Although there was no established parade at that time, the sight of these resilient farmers and the exquisite flowers of Medellin always created a spectacle worth witnessing.
But when did the Feria de las Flores begin to be celebrated? Back in 1957, Arturo Uribe Arango, the head of the Office of Tourism and Promotion of Medellin, took the initiative to organize the first Flower Festival as a tribute to the dedicated flower growers of the region. This festival began on May 1 and spanned five days and saw the enthusiastic participation of 40 silleteros from Santa Elena.
The resounding success of the first festival established it as the city’s most emblematic event, leading to the organization of the second edition of the Flower Fair the following year in August. This timing aligned the festivities with the celebration of Antioquia’s Independence. This time, a remarkable 100 silleteros showcased their impressive floral silletas, parading from the Pablo Tobón Uribe Theater to Bolívar Park.
Today, the Feria de las Flores stands as one of the foremost festivals in the country and indisputably takes the crown as Medellin’s biggest cultural, tourist, and economic event. The 65th edition of the Flower Festival in 2022 witnessed the participation of 520 silleteros, among whom were 50 children, who will proudly uphold this tradition for generations to come. Alongside the parade, the city hosted 300 public events and over 600 activities, attracting the participation of more than two million people, including 20,000 international visitors.
Feria de las Flores de Medellín 2023
This year, the festival will be held from July 28 to August 7, with 10 days of concerts, craft fairs, dance exhibitions, antique car shows, open-air markets, and of course, the traditional Silleteros Parade that will brighten up the main streets of Medellin.
The Silleteros Parade
The Silleteros Parade takes center stage during the Flower Festival in Medellin, becoming the highlight of this anticipated event. With an annual attendance surpassing 800,000 people, this year’s parade will take place on August 7, serving as the closing act of the festival. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking floral masterpieces crafted by over 500 silleteros, who demonstrate remarkable strength as they bear the weight of these silletas on their backs through the bustling streets of Medellin. Fun fact: Did you know that a single silleta can weigh up to 155 lb and showcase up to 100 flower varieties?
When you are looking at the silletas, you’ll notice four distinct styles that differentiate them. The traditional silleta holds great historical value, symbolizing the transportation method used by farmers to bring their produce to Medellin. The monumental silleta is the one that usually attracts the most attention, boasting vibrant colors and impressive dimensions that serve as a canvas for the silletero’s creativity. You’ll also encounter emblematic silletas, intricately crafted to portray beloved symbols or revered personalities of the region. Lastly, you’ll see commercial silletas commissioned by organizations or companies aiming to promote their brand.
Each silleta represents months of dedicated work, encompassing everything from nurturing the flowers to designing and constructing these artistic masterpieces. That’s why it comes as no surprise that the silleta exhibition is the highlight of the Feria de las Flores. The best part? You can attend this incredible event for free, so make sure to include it on your must-do list.
What Other Activities Can You Enjoy at the Feria de Las Flores?
Year after year, the festival continues to expand, and while it features several long-standing events that have been part of its regular program for decades, every new edition brings exciting surprises.
Pa’ Medallo
Mark your calendar for July 29th at 7 p.m. as the emblematic Atanasio Girardot stadium hosts a phenomenal concert. Get ready to enjoy the incredible performances of Farruko, Nodal, Paulina Rubio, and Ivy Queen. Tickets are available starting at $28.
National Trova Festival – City of Medellin
Yet another prominent event in the region, dedicated to showcasing the art of improvisation by folk singers from all corners of the country. Over 300 talented folk singers, spanning across three categories of children, youth, and seniors, participate and compete in this festival. The festival also offers free workshops and talks on this art form in various locations throughout the city.
Classic and Antique Car Parade
Transforming the streets of Medellin into a living museum, this extraordinary parade showcases the most exquisite and elegant classic cars from Medellin and other major cities like Bogota, Manizales, and Bucaramanga. With nearly 300 cars participating, not only does it offer a captivating sight, but it also raises funds for the Santiago Corazón Children’s Foundation, supporting children with cardiovascular issues.
Fiesta Montañera Sírvalo Pues and Pulmón Herido al 100%
These will be the other major concerts at La Feria de las Flores in 2023. They will be held at the Plaza de Toros de la Macarena and will be a great festival for lovers of popular music and vallenato. Mark your calendar for July 28 for the Fiesta Montañera and July 29 for Pulmón Herido al 100%. Tickets are available from $18, and both concerts kick off at 8 p.m.
Tips to enjoy the Feria de las Flores in Medellin
With so much happening at the Flower Festival in different parts of the city, it’s good to know a few tips to make the most of the biggest festival in the region.
Choose the Activities You Want to Attend in Advance.
Check the schedule of the Flower Festival and choose the activities you like the most. This way, you can engage in all the events that catch your eye and ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights.
Get to Each Place Before the Starting Time.
Since outdoor activities like the Silletero Parade or the Classic and Antique Car Parade attract large crowds, arriving early is recommended. This gives you the chance to find a great spot and fully experience the event.
Familiarize Yourself With Public Transportation.
The festival completely transforms Medellin into one big celebration, resulting in road closures. To get around, opt for the city’s public transportation system, renowned as the best in Colombia. It’s recommended to avoid driving a car due to heavy traffic and difficulties finding parking spaces.
Stay Hydrated.
With its warm weather and a massive influx of tourists during the Feria, Medellin tends to get crowded, and festival events extend from early morning until late evening. To avoid fatigue or headaches, it’s essential to stay properly hydrated throughout the day. While vendors are abundant in Medellin, it’s recommended to bring along a water bottle.
Protect Yourself From the Sun.
As the majority of activities take place outdoors, it’s important to protect your skin by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen along and reapply it every 2 to 3 hours.
Medellin is home to a flourishing floral, musical, and artistic heritage, making it one of Colombia’s most culturally rich cities. During the Flower Festival in Colombia, you can embrace the charm of this city and partake in its age-old traditions while honoring the skilled flower growers who cultivate the region’s breathtaking flowers, crafting them into mesmerizing works of art. To delve deeper into Medellin’s culture, consider visiting a coffee farm and experiencing firsthand why Colombian coffee is revered as the best in the world.
