Thing to do
Comuna 13 Graffiti and Escalators
A hillside district in western Medellín known for its outdoor escalators, murals and hip-hop culture, now visited by close to two million people a year.
Feria de las Flores
Medellín's flower festival, held every August since 1958, built around the Desfile de Silleteros, in which farmers from Santa Elena carry huge flower arrangements on their backs.
At a glance
- Type
- Annual flower festival (August)
- Area
- Citywide and Santa Elena, Medellín, Colombia
Good to know
- Silleteros parade
- Classic car parade
- Trova festival
- Orchid show
- Open-air stages
Why we recommend it
The Feria de las Flores is Medellín's biggest celebration and the best reason to plan a trip for August. The first edition took place on 1 May 1957 and lasted five days, organised by Arturo Uribe of the city's development and tourism board. A year later it moved to August to coincide with the celebrations of Antioquia's independence, and it has been held then ever since. Its roots lie partly in Catholic tradition, in the flower displays once offered to the Virgin Mary, and today more than two million people attend each year.
The centrepiece is the Desfile de Silleteros. The silleteros are farmers from the rural district of Santa Elena, above the city, who carry elaborate flower arrangements, called silletas, on their backs. The first parade had about 40 men; today more than 500 silleteros take part. A traditional silleta measures 80 to 90 centimetres and can hold up to 50 kilos of flowers, while monumental designs reach two metres by two. Entries compete in traditional, emblematic, monumental and commercial categories, and a pioneers' category was added in 2006.
The festival programme fills the whole city. The Desfile de Autos Clásicos y Antiguos brings more than 200 classic and vintage cars onto the streets, the National Trova Festival gathers more than 220 competing troubadours, and a festival bike ride of about 11 kilometres attracts more than 3,000 riders. Tablados, or open-air stages, take music to neighbourhoods and rural districts, and the Botanical Garden hosts its Orchid, Bird and Flower Exhibition in the Orquideorama. There is also a horse fair among the private events.
Plan well ahead if you want to visit. With more than two million attendees it is the busiest time of year in the city, so book accommodation early and check the official programme for that year's dates, parade routes and any ticketed seating.
Outside August you can still get a taste of the tradition. Parque Arví runs visits to silletero farms in Santa Elena, and the Botanical Garden's Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores show is part of the same August season. Allow at least a full day during the festival for the parade and a second for other events.
Feria de las Flores FAQs
When is the Feria de las Flores?
It is held every year in August, a date it has kept since 1958.
What is the Desfile de Silleteros?
The festival's main parade, in which farmers from Santa Elena carry flower arrangements called silletas on their backs.
How heavy is a silleta?
A traditional silleta measures 80 to 90 centimetres and can carry up to 50 kilos of flowers.
How many people attend?
More than two million people attend the festival each year.
When did the festival start?
The first edition was held on 1 May 1957 and lasted five days.
What other events are there?
A classic and vintage car parade with more than 200 cars, the National Trova Festival, a festival bike ride, open-air stages and an orchid show at the Botanical Garden.
Can I see silleteros outside August?
Yes. Parque Arví offers visits to silletero farms in Santa Elena.
Do I need to book accommodation early?
Yes. With more than two million attendees it is the city's busiest period, so book accommodation well in advance.