Silletero posing proudly next to his silleta. - by http://www.joelduncanphotography.com/

Silletero posing proudly next to his silleta. – by professional photographer Joel Duncan

Medellin Flower Festival – Feria de las Flores

Medellin’s flower festival is upon us.  I have been in Medellin for five Flower Festivals now, and have had a blast at each one.  The Medellin Flower Festival has been going on for 58 years now.  It is very rich in history and people from all over the world come to see, namely, the “silletero” parade.

What is the Medellin Flower Festival

The Medellin Flower Festival is a celebration of many things, the flowers grown in the region, Virgin Mary Day, and the end of slavery.  The Flower Festival started on May 1st, 1957.  It was organized by member of the Board of the Office of Development and Tourism, Arturo Uribe.

This first flower festival lasted five days with an exposition of flowers displayed in the Metropolitan Cathedral, which was organized by the Gardening Club of Medellín and monsignor Tulio Botero to celebrate Virgin Mary day. The flower parade also celebrates the abolition of slavery.  Slaves used to have to carry people on their backs on a contraption called a silleta up steep hills.  In the main attraction of the parade, flower farmers called silleteros, carry ornate flower arrangements on their backs instead of people.

Feria de las Flores - Flower Festival Medellin

Despite walking many kilometers this Silletero smiles as he greets the crowd.

What does Feria de Las Flores mean to me?

For me this the flower festival is a time to spend with friends: dancing, drinking, barbecuing, and experiencing Medellin’s culture.

I lived in the United States for 28 years. The U.S. is very big on parades, and living near Los Angeles I am no stranger to them.

Next to el Carnaval de Barranquilla, Feria de las Flores is my favorite festival in Colombia.  Paisas truly know how to party. Food, drinks, music, and dancing till dawn, I should have been born a Paisa!

This year I’m looking forward to some of the free and paid concerts, there will be a lot of them.  I am also looking forward to the Classic Car Parade. This year my friends and I rented a finca in Santa Elena for the weekend before

the Silletero Parade we will be partying at the houses where the silletas are made. I can’t wait!

 

Medellin Flower Festival Event Guide 2017 

 


Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Tapete de Flores (Carpet of Flowers)
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Place: Centro Comercial Santafé Medellín
Info: In the middle of the giant Santafe Mall there will be a giant flower carpet made up of more than 26,000 flowers. For the very first time it’ll have a 3D effect to it because it will also be about 12 meters in height. This will be displayed throughout all the Feria de Flores.
Organizer: Centro Comercial Santafé Medellín
Phone: 4600737

 


Friday, July 28, 2017 – Inauguración Oficial Feria de las Flores 2017 (the official inauguration day)

Concert Jowel y Randi, Wilfrido Vargas, Peter Manjarrés, Kevin Flórez y el Combo de las Estrellas – FREE
Info: This is a free concert and it attracts over 3,000 people to the street, so get there early.
Location: Obelisco, on the street in front of the stadium, not in the stadium.
Phone: 4444144

National Trova Festival – Adult Semifinal round – FREE
Location: Parque de los Deseos
Phone: 4444144

Fondas De Mi Pueblo Antioquia – $22,000
Info: stalls are put up and decorated to represent different pueblos in Antioquia. Each have tables and chairs. They serve typical food from the pueblo and of course lots of aguardiente and beer. I’ll definitely be going to this.
Location: Parque Juan Pablo II.
Phone: 3017627599

Rey de Reyes de la Trova show
Location: Parque Juan Pablo II.
Phone: 3017627599

Medellín Capital Comedia Juan Duque – Jeringa – El Mono Sánchez
Location: Teatro Universidad de Medellín.
Time: 8:00 pm.
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 362 5757

Concert Kannibaal Fiesta Blanca
Tickets: Ticket Express
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444446

Concert Tsunami vallenato – Jorge Celedón, Iván Villazón, Peter Manjarrés, Beto Zabaleta, Poncho Zuleta, Hebert Vargas, Farid Ortíz, Jhon Mindiola
Location: Centro de Eventos La Macarena
Tickets: Ticket Shop or Stub Hub
Phone: 2607193

 


Saturday, July 29, 2017

Adult Category National Semifinals of Trova – FREE
Location: Parque de los Deseos
Phone: 4444144

Fondas De Mi Pueblo Antioquia – $22,000
Info: stalls are put up and decorated to represent different pueblos in Antioquia. Each have tables and chairs. They serve typical food from the pueblo and of course lots of aguardiente and beer. I’ll definitely be going to this.
Location: Parque Juan Pablo II.
Phone: 3017627599

Medellín Capital Comedia Juan Duque – Jeringa – El Mono Sánchez
Location: Teatro Universidad de Medellín.
Time: 8:00 pm.
Phone: 362 5757

Concert – Gran concierto salsa y timbal
Artists: Grupo Galé – Mauro Castillo – Henry Fiol – Nacho Acero – Bazil – Charlie Aponte – Guayacan Orquesta
Location: Centro de eventos la Macarena
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 3625757

Kannibaal La Tribu
Info: “La Tribu” puts on a great show with many surprises and musical guests. It is catered by Andrés Carne de Res so there’s good food and great music.
Location: Parque Norte
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4444446

Cabalgata infantil en caballitos de palo – FREE
Info: This is a kid parade where the kids go by on their wooden stick horse which they make and decorate themselves.
Location: Carabobo Street
Phone: 2933443

Desfile de motos clásicas y antiguas por los héroes de la patria – FREE
Info: If you love motorcycles, this is the parade for you. Over 600 motorcycles parade across the city and end up in Parque Lleras.
Location: Starts at the 4th Brigade on Calle Colombia ends at Parque Lleras
Phone: 3127963976

30th Version of the kid silletero parade in La Floresta – Free
Location: Barrio La Floresta.
Phone: 4137987

La feria a ritmo de bicicleta
Info: This is a bike parade that you can be part of. Anyone with a bike can join.
Information: http://feriaenbici.org/
Location: Parque de las Luces
Time: 1:00 pm
Phone: 3855457

XX Festival de Bandas – FREE
Info: I couldn’t find any info on this event, but it’s free and it looks like it’ll be music.
Location: Terminal del Sur
Phone: 3611588

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

Festival montañero y de la parranda
Info: I don’t know any of the people performing at this concert.
Location: Club Medellín
Tickets: Tienda La Boleteria
Phone: 4161050

La Solar
Info: Although I have never heard of any of the bands playing at this concert I did some research and it looks pretty awesome. Some of the artists are: Mala Rodriguez, Monsieur Perine, Ondatropica, DJ Sak Noel, Poolside, Waze & Odyssey
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Time: 2:00 pm
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 3164635624

 


Sunday, July 30, 2017

Plaza de flores Zona Norte – FREE
Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444144

Fondas De Mi Pueblo Antioquia – $22,000
Info: stalls are put up and decorated to represent different pueblos in Antioquia. Each have tables and chairs. They serve typical food from the pueblo and of course lots of aguardiente and beer. I’ll definitely be going to this.
Location: Parque Juan Pablo II.
Phone: 3017627599

Parque Cultural Nocturno “La Noche Afro” – FREE
Artists: Bazurto All Stars – Rancho Aparte – Sankofa – Ganador Convocatoria (Cali – Medellín): Location: Plaza Gardel
Phone: 4444144

Desfile Chivas y Flores – FREE
Location: Starts at Centro Automotriz in El Poblado goes around and through Guayabal over the bridge on Calle 2 and back to Centro Automotriz
Phone: 4444413

18° Caminata Canina y de mascotas Tierragro – FREE
Info: This is a dog parade that anyone can join. It’s a 3.5 kilometer walk.
Location: Starts at the Estadio metro station
Time: 9:00 am
Phone: 4444625

XX Festival de Bandas – FREE
Info: I couldn’t find any info on this event, but it’s free and it looks like it’ll be music.
Location: Terminal del Sur
Phone: 3611588

XVII Festival de la tusa y el despecho
Info: I have no idea who these artists are but here’s their facebook page.
Artists: Arelys Henao, Dueto Las Alondras, El Dueto Revelación, Jorge Luis Hortua, José Mogollón, El Charrito Negro, Alexis Escobar, Jhon Castillo
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Tickets: Tuboleta
Phone: 5117788

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

Gospel Park Concert – FREE
Info: It’s a christian concert and this is their facebook page.
Location: Parque de los Deseos
Phone: 2608995

 


Monday, July 31, 2017

Parque Cultural Nocturno “Son y Bolero” – FREE
Artists: Mayito Rivera (Cuba) – Septeto Habanero ( Cuba) – Big Band La Pascasia
Location: Plaza Gardel
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Zona Norte – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444144

Escenario Artistico Carrera 70
Location: Carrera 70 between circulares 2 y 4
Artists: Yeison Jiménez – Los Gigantes del Vallenato – Henry Fiol – Pasabordo
Phone: 4444144

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

 


Tuesday, August 1, 2017

National Trova Festival: kids semifinals – FREE
Location: Parque de los Deseos
Phone: 4444144

Parque Cultural Nocturno: “Noche Colombiana” – FREE
Artists: Alfredo Gutiérrez – Otto Serge – Canalón de Timbiqui – Grupo Suramérica
Location: Plaza Gardel
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Zona Norte – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Sur – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Ciudad del Rio – MAMM
Phone: 4444144

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

 


Wednesday, August 2, 2017

National Trova Festival: kids semifinals – FREE
Location: Parque de los Deseos
Phone: 4444144

Parque Cultural Nocturno “Músicas del Mundo” – FREE
Artists: Manuel Medrano – La Santa Cecilia (México- USA) – Providencia – Tomback (Ecuador) Location: Plaza Gardel
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Zona Norte – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Sur – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Ciudad del Rio – MAMM
Phone: 4444144

Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores
Location: Jardín Botánico
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4448374

Escenarios Artísticos Carrera 70 Aguardiente Antioqueño
Artists: Alzate – Jean Carlos Centeno – Maelo Ruiz – Heber Vargas
Location: Carrera 70 between calle 10 and 19
Phone: 4444144

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

 


Thursday, August 3, 2017

National Trova Festival: kids semifinals – FREE
Location: Parque de los Deseos
Phone: 4444144

Parque Cultural Nocturno “Noche Tropical” – FREE
Artists: Conjunto Clásico – Diego Galé (Recordando a La Sonora Carruseles) – Los Graduados (Homenaje al Loko Quintero)
Location: Plaza Gardel
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Zona Norte – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Sur – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Ciudad del Rio – MAMM
Phone: 4444144

Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores
Location: Jardín Botánico
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4448374

Escenarios Artísticos Carrera 70 Aguardiente Antioqueño
Artists: Arelys Henao – Omar Geles – Grupo Galé – Grupo Caneo
Location: Parque de La Floresta
Phone: 4444144

Noche de Gala Feria de las Flores
Artists: El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico y Grupo Niche. Gran Salón
Location: Plaza Mayor
Tickets: ComasUrbano
Phone: 2454510

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

 


Friday August 4, 2017

National Trova Festival – Adult Finals – FREE
Location: Parque de los Deseos
Phone: 4444144

59a Expointernacional Equina Feria de las Flores Grado A

Info: This is a big horse fair. I know nothing about horses, never even ridden a horse, but from what I read it looks pretty cool.
Location: Plaza Mayor
Tickets: SusCaballos
Phone: 3222423

Plaza de flores Sur – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Ciudad del Rio – MAMM
Phone: 4444144

Concert – Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz con las estrellas de la Fania: Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, Ismael Miranda, Bobby Valentín, Adalberto Santiago y Andy Montañez.
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 3625757

Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores
Location: Jardín Botánico
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4448374

Duros pa´ Beber en Feria
Artists: Jimmy Gutiérrez, Los Rayos de México, Darío Gómez, Amín El Chiche, Nelson Velásquez, Los Morales (Miguel y Los K homenaje a Kaleth), Jean Carlos Centeno, Alex Manga.
Location: Centro de eventos la Macarena.
Tickets: Tuboleta

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 239610

 


Saturday, August 5, 2017

59a Expointernacional Equina Feria de las Flores Grado A
Info: This is a big horse fair. I know nothing about horses, never even ridden a horse, but from what I read it looks pretty cool.
Location: Plaza Mayor
Tickets: SusCaballos
Phone: 3222423

Parque Infantil Zona que Suena – Free
Info: Live music, theater, and traditional dancing.
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Sur – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Ciudad del Rio – MAMM
Phone: 4444144

Fondas de mi tierra
Info: stalls are put up and decorated to represent different pueblos in Antioquia. Each have tables and chairs. They serve typical food from the pueblo and of course lots of aguardiente and beer. I’ll definitely be going to this.
Location: Parque Comfenalco Guayabal
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 4487704

Gran noche matancera
Location: Teatro Universidad de Medellín
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 362 5757

El cantinazo de Palmahía
Artists: Pipe Bueno, Luis Alberto Posada, Francy, Arelys Henao, El Charrito Negro, Jhonny Rivera, Sara Jaramillo, Bera, Alzate, Jhon Alex Castaño
Location: Centro de eventos la Macarena
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 3625757

Festival de la Trova Orquídea de Oro
Location: Plaza Mayor
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 2507912

Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores
Location: Jardín Botánico
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4448374

Sonido Sobre Ruedas Fest
Info: this is a 3 day event with various techno and electronica DJs. I don’t know much about this concert or this type of music.
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 362 5757

Metro Concierto – Concierto de Conciertos
Artists: Marc Anthony, Daddy Yankee, Wisin, Silvestre Dangond, artista invitado
Info: I went to this concert last year and it was amazing. I definitely recommend getting floor seats.
Location: Estadio Atanasio Girardot
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 3128855 ext: 109

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

XVI Clásica Nacional Feria de las Flores
Info: Although I can’t find any info on this online I’m pretty sure it’s a bike race.
Location: Cerro Nutibara al Pueblito Paisa
Phone: 2305198

Festival Parrandro
Artists: Horacio Grisales El Boquiabierto, Alegría Parrandera, los Alegres Parranderos
Location Centro Terminal del Sur.
Phone: 3611186

II Desfile de Bicicletas Clásicas, Antiguas y Vintage – FREE
Info: this is a free old school bike parade. For more info you can go to the CompasUrbano page
Location: Starts at EAFIT
Time: 3:00 pm
Phone: 3016090641

Carpa Club – Festival Romántico Aniversario Melodía para Dos
Artists: Lorenzo Santamaría, Tormenta, Janette, Antonio de Jesús y José Vélez
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Info: This is a romantic music concert. Perfect or a date!
Time: 7:00 pm
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 3128855

 


Sunday August 6, 2017

Carpa Club – La Parranda Vallenata
Artists: Daniel Calderón y Los Gigantes, Jean Carlos Centeno, Alex Manga y Farid Ortiz
Location: AeroParque Juan Pablo II
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 3128855

22° Desfile de Autos Clásicos y Antiguos – FREE
Info: This is a classic car parade. And to be honest, it’s my favorite parade of the whole festival. It’s free and it’s pretty easy to get a good spot along Avenida Las Vegas. For more info check out the Classic Car Parade website.
Phone: 4489004

59a ExpoIninternacional Equina Feria de las Flores Grado A
Info: This is a big horse fair. I know nothing about horses, never even ridden a horse, but from what I read it looks pretty cool.
Location: Plaza Mayor
Tickets: SusCaballos
Phone: 3222423

Parque Infantil Zona que Suena – Free
Info: Live music, theater, and traditional dancing.
Location: Parque Norte
Phone: 4444144

Plaza de flores Sur – FREE
Info: Many of the silletas and flower arrangements will be on display here
Location: Ciudad del Rio – MAMM
Phone: 4444144

Fondas de mi tierra
Info: stalls are put up and decorated to represent different pueblos in Antioquia. Each have tables and chairs. They serve typical food from the pueblo and of course lots of aguardiente and beer. I’ll definitely be going to this.
Location: Parque Comfenalco Guayabal
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 4487704

Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores
Location: Jardín Botánico
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4448374

Sonido Sobre Ruedas Fest
Info: this is a 3 day event with various techno and electronica DJs. I don’t know much about this concert or this type of music.
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 362 5757

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

Fiesta Barrio Boyacá
Artists: Orquesta Policía Nacional, Dueto Revelación, Orquesta Tropicombo, Trovadores, Solistas, Grupos
Location: Barrio Boyacá
Phone: 4620407

XVI Clásica Nacional Feria de las Flores
Info: This is a bike race
Phone: 2305198

Carnaval fest 2017
Artists: Mojiganga, Tr3sdecorazón, Calibre 38, Nepentes, 2 minutos, Asuntos Pendientes, Popcorn, Ascariz, Don Tetto
Info: This is 2 day rock concert. I don’t know any of the bands playing, however it’s a very popular event, the first day is sold out completely. For more info check out ColectivoSonoro’s website.
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Phone: 2606944

 


Monday, August 7, 2017

60° Desfile de Silleteros
Info: This is the biggest parade of them all. The best thing to do is to get tickets for a seat in the bleachers. Make sure to get there early because they always oversell. You can take your own liquor and food. For more information take a look at the Desfile de Silleteros website.
Location: Avenida Guayabal
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4444144.

59a Expointernacional Equina Feria de las Flores Grado A
Info: This is a big horse fair. I know nothing about horses, never even ridden a horse, but from what I read it looks pretty cool.
Location: Plaza Mayor
Tickets: SusCaballos
Phone: 3222423

Exhibición de silletas ganadoras
Info: This year’s winning silletas will be on display at Plaza Mayor at 9pm until Thursday, August 10, 2017
Location: Plaza Mayor
Phone: 4444144

Fondas de mi tierra
Info: stalls are put up and decorated to represent different pueblos in Antioquia. Each have tables and chairs. They serve typical food from the pueblo and of course lots of aguardiente and beer. I’ll definitely be going to this.
Location: Parque Comfenalco Guayabal
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 4487704

Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores
Location: Jardín Botánico
Tickets: Ticket Express
Phone: 4448374

Sonido Sobre Ruedas Fest
Info: this is a 3 day event with various techno and electronica DJs. I don’t know much about this concert or this type of music.
Location: Aeroparque Juan Pablo II
Tickets: La Tiquetera
Phone: 362 5757

Festival Internacional de cuentería entre cuentos y flores
Info: This is an event that features great storytellers. If you don’t speak Spanish this would be a waste of time and money.
Tickets: Sala Llena
Location: Teatro Ateneo Porfirio Barba Jacob.
Phone: 2396104

 

The Walk of the Silleteros: Espectators use to chant: “When the silleteros go by, it is Antioquia going by”, this way expressing the pride of the rural tradition of the region. Main flowers used are pinocchios, lilies, carnations, agapanthuses, sunflowers, bridal veil, gladioli, chrysanthemums, roses, and orchids.

More pictures of the Flower festival provided by Joel Duncan

Medellin Flower Festival - Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Medellin Flower Festival – Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Medellin Flower Festival - Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Medellin Flower Festival – Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Medellin Flower Festival - Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Even Michael Jackson enjoys La Feria De Las Flores.

Medellin Flower Festival - Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Medellin Flower Festival – Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Medellin Flower Festival - Feria De Las Flores Medellin

Medellin Flower Festival – Feria De Las Flores Medellin

 

Andrew Macia - I love Colombia

About the writer – Andrew Macia

Hello, my name is Andrew Macia and I am the founder of the Medellin Buzz.  I am an advanced level English teacher, and I also run a digital marketing company here in Medellin.

I love Colombian, and Medellin has been my home since 2010.  I like to write and I want to give back to the community. This is the best way I know how. I hope you enjoy my blog!

About the Medellin Buzz

I started the Medellin Buzz as a resource for my English as a foreign language students. A site where they could read about their city in English, that wasn’t boring. It slowly turned into a personal blog and hub for information for people discovering Medellin. I check comments frequently, so feel free to leave your comment and/or questions below.