Every August, Medellín erupts in color. The Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) transforms the city into a massive celebration of Paisa culture, with the iconic Desfile de Silleteros—a parade where farmers carry enormous flower arrangements on their backs—as its centerpiece. It's the biggest festival in Colombia's second city, drawing over 500,000 spectators and capturing international attention.
🌸 When: Early August, annually since 1957
The 10-day festival typically runs from the first Friday of August through the second Sunday. The Desfile de Silleteros parade happens on the final Saturday—if you can only attend one day, make it this one.
The Silleteros: Human Flower Carriers
The heart of the festival is the silleteros—farmers from the mountain village of Santa Elena who carry massive wooden frames (silletas) laden with intricate flower arrangements on their backs. These displays weigh 50-70 kilograms and stand up to 1.5 meters tall, depicting scenes from Colombian life, religious imagery, and increasingly creative artistic visions.
The tradition dates to colonial times when campesinos carried people and goods up the steep mountains on their backs. When roads improved, the carriers pivoted to flowers. What began as practical labor became art, and eventually the centerpiece of Medellín's identity.
Approximately 500 silleteros participate each year, preparing for months. Silletas are judged in categories: traditional, commercial, emblematic, and pioneer (most innovative). Winners receive prizes and prestige that last a lifetime in their communities.
Festival Events
🌺 Desfile de Silleteros
The main parade down Calle San Juan. 500 silleteros walk 8km while crowds cheer. The culmination of the entire festival.
🚗 Desfile de Autos Clásicos
Vintage car parade featuring hundreds of classic automobiles, from 1920s antiques to 1970s muscle cars.
🐴 Cabalgata
Horse parade through the city with thousands of riders in traditional Paisa attire. Gets rowdy as the day progresses.
🎤 Concerts
Free concerts throughout the city featuring Colombian artists. Major acts perform at Atanasio Girardot stadium.
🏆 Silletero Competition
Farmers compete for best silleta in various categories at Santa Elena village. See them up close before the parade.
🌼 Flower Exhibitions
Massive flower displays at Jardín Botánico and other venues showcase Colombian floral diversity.
Experiencing the Festival
Accommodations: Book months in advance. Hotels fill up and prices surge. Consider Airbnb in Laureles for better value.
Viewing spots: For the Desfile de Silleteros, the best viewing is along Calle San Juan and Avenida Oriental. Arrive early (by 6am) for a good spot. Bleacher seats can be purchased in advance.
What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, water, and patience. The parade lasts 4-5 hours. Umbrellas for afternoon showers. Cash for food vendors.
Transportation: Use Metro—traffic is impossible during parade days. Walking and public transit are your only real options.
💡 Pro Tips
Visit Santa Elena the day before the main parade to see silleteros preparing their arrangements—more intimate experience, excellent photos. Attend smaller neighborhood events for authentic local culture without massive crowds. The Cabalgata gets wild; avoid if you dislike drunk crowds. Best concert viewing is at free outdoor venues rather than stadium shows.
The Feria de las Flores celebrates Medellín's transformation and Paisa pride. The silleteros—working farmers turned artists for a week—embody the city's spirit: resilience, creativity, and joy despite hardship. If you can time your visit for August, you'll witness Colombia's second city at its most vibrant.