Of all of Colombia’s regional festivals, Medellín’s Festival of the Flowers is one of the most important. This festival lasts for ten days, and takes place in the first half of August. It isn’t just a celebration of the region’s gorgeous flowers, though; it’s a festival that commemorates key parts of Medellín’s history and cultural identity. Plus, there’s a lot more to the festival than just flowers. There are also concerts, sporting activities, and cultural events that add variety and local color to the celebrations. Between the traditional and modern events, there are over 140 activities to choose from over the course of ten days! Even if you don’t get that excited about flowers, you’ll still be able to enjoy yourself at this iconic event.
The Flower Grower’s Parade (Desfile de Silleteros)
Among the various flower exhibitions and competitions, one event stands out: the Flower Grower’s Parade. This event features hundreds of flower growers (silleteros) from the Medellín area, carrying elaborate displays of flowers on their backs. Some of the displays are decorative floral arrangements, while others are more like murals made of flowers. Most of them are dressed in traditional Paisa clothes, and every participant carries the flowers on a silleta, or a chair-like construction made of wood. These silletas were originally used to transport people during colonial times, but they eventually turned into a convenient way for flower growers to transport their blooms. They’re strapped to the carrier’s back, and can support a huge number of flowers – some of the arrangements weigh up to 170 pounds!
How the Festival of the Flowers began
It all started in 1957, when Medellín’s Office for the Promotion of Tourism came up with the idea to invite silleteros to be the centerpiece of Medellín’s first Flower Festival. A nearby town called Santa Elena was home to families of silleteros who had been in the flower business for generations; at that point, they were already famous throughout the region for the vibrance and beauty of their flowers. 40 of them showed up, and that number has grown steadily ever since.
The first festival was five days long; just like the current version, it featured more than just flowers. There were custom-built stalls set up in the streets for dancing, and the streets were filled with music. There was also a flower exhibition, a beauty contest, and a concert. As you can imagine, the festival took a while to grow to 140+ events! For years, the festival was just a local celebration; if national or international visitors were there to join in on the fun, it was usually a coincidence.
Concerts at the Festival of the Flowers
No Colombian festival is complete without live music, and there’s plenty of that at the Festival of the Flowers. The biggest musical event isn’t a concert, but a sing-off called the Trova Festival. Talented singers gather to duel with improvised verses, while the crowds watch and react to the music that’s being created in right front of them.
Music lovers will also want to catch the Evening Cultural Park event, which features big-name Colombian artists playing live music. In the past, this has included acts like the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra, Alcolyricoz, Grupo Bahia, and Kombilesa.
Go to the Botanical Gardens for even more flowers
As you’d expect, Medellín’s Botanical Gardens are full of flowers – but if you visit during the Feria de las Flores, the gardens will have absolutely exploded with the lively colors of countless flower displays. From traditional arrangements to special displays of orchids, you’ll be able to take in the sights and scents of the region’s most beautiful flowers.
Take a day-trip to Santa Elena
The majority of the silleteros who come to Medellín are from Santa Elena, a small town that’s located on the eastern outskirts of the city. Just because many of the flower growers have gone to Medellín doesn’t mean that Santa Elena is deprived of the celebration; it’s actually the opposite! The town is buzzing with festive activity during the Festival of the Flowers, making it a popular destination for anyone who wants to see the heart of Antioquia’s flower production sector. There isn’t nearly as much to do in Santa Elena compared to Medellín, but there’s plenty to occupy a day of sightseeing.
Join a bike tour of Medellín
It’s easy to get around Medellín on a bike, which is partly why this special bike tour is so popular. The cycling event is designed to highlight the best parts of the festival, plus some of the city’s top attractions. It leaves from the Lights Park at 3 PM, and winds through the city on a set schedule to ensure that not a single detail is missed. The tour is over by 8 PM, allowing participants to safely experience the city by both day and night.
Enjoy the Chiva Carnival
Anyone who’s traveled through rural Colombia will know what a chiva is – these open-sided buses are practically part of the landscape in areas where conventional buses can’t go. They’re built to handle rough roads and heavy loads, with both the interior and the roof of the bus typically being packed with passengers, local produce, and even livestock.
As an essential part of the region’s culture, chivas get their own carnival during the festival. This includes a parade that lasts around three hours, with up to 80 vehicles taking part. Each one is elaborately decorated, with the aim of winning the fierce competition for the most beautiful chiva. Mechanical function is a factor too, though; just like a prize bull, these beloved vehicles have to be in tip-top shape in order to win the prize.
The takeaway
In terms of cultural events, Medellín’s Festival of the Flowers is one of the most well-known in the country. From parades, to competitions, to special sightseeing opportunities, the festival offers something for everyone. Even if you aren’t drawn in by the flowers, this massive celebration will be sure to captivate you with one of its many popular events.
