Flower Festival in Medellin

In Colombia, there is a time of the year where flowers come out of the gardens to walk on the streets of Medellin and fill them up with thousands of vibrant colors and marvelous smells.

Medellin’s unique trademark takes place this year from 1st of August 02 – 11th August, as a celebration of the Paisa culture and identity. The Flower Festival has become one of the traveler’s favorites due to the whole experience within this event and is one of the biggest reason why Medellin is called: “The city of Eternal Spring”.

But if you don’t know where to go or what to within these days, here’s our guide so you don’t miss out anything from this awesome festival.

1. Desfile de Silleteros

The main highlight of the flower festival is the Desfile de Silleteros (or Flower Grower’s Parade) — an event where thousands of local flower growers walk with traditional outfits while wearing gigantic flowers displays in their backs, to compete with others and see which is the most beautiful arrangement. It’s an event full of colors with an enjoyable atmosphere.

2. Trova Festival

Colombian festivals are not completed without live music, and that’s why there are a wide range of musical offerings available during the Flower Festival. The main event is the traditional Trova Festival, where singers compete in sings-offs against their rivals.

But there is also the Evening Cultural Park event, where stunning groups such as Grupo Bahia, Alcolyricoz, and the Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra lift up the event with live music as well.

3. Santa Elena

The home of the Medellín flower culture is, in fact, the small town of Santa Elena, located just to the east of the city. This small town is the heartland of the region’s flower growers, and most of the silleteros in the parade originate from here.

During the festival in Medellín, Santa Elena also buzzes with life and activity, and it’s traditional for people from the city to visit the town on one day during the festival and experience the silletero culture.

But remember, it’s not just about flowers.

We know that the focal point is the Flower Festival, but there’s more to do within these celebrations. Botanical garden exhibitions, concerts, cultural and sporting events, and many other activities also take place during this celebration, so there is no excuse to miss out on the fun-packed Flower Festival.

Written by Osiris Marañón