The silletera farms of Santa Elena are the cradle of a peasant tradition that fills the streets of Medellín with pride, life, and color every year during the Medellín Flower Festival. Visiting these farms allows you to experience a history dating back to the mid-19th century, when silleteros traveled to Medellín to offer natural and agricultural products to sustain the growing city. This practice later evolved, allowing flowers to take a special, leading role in parks, plazas, streets, and cemeteries, transforming those who carried them on their backs into symbols of sacrifice and of a profound bond with the land and Antioquian roots.
One of the emblematic places that witnessed the growth and consolidation of the silleteros as protagonists of the Flower Festival is Finca Silletera Abuela Sarito, which you will discover next, and which opens its doors to offer you the ultimate Medellín flower festival experience.
What Is the History Behind Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm?
Finca Silletera Abuela Sarito is the continuation of a family legacy that has preserved the silletera tradition for generations. For 80 years, and since 2010, as a space opened for visitors, the farm has stood as a landmark in Santa Elena, established by María del Rosario Gutiérrez, affectionately known as “Sarito” for their neighbors around.
Abuela Sarito dedicated herself full-time to agricultural work, cultivating crops like fava beans, corn, and petacos (a local bean variety). As a skilled flower grower and vendor, she kept a garden home to blue agapanthus, Star of Bethlehem, and various carnations, all of which reflect the vibrant flora central to the Medellín Flower Festival. She also maintained pastures for her cows and harvested herbs, squash, and moss, foundational elements of the heritage that shaped her legacy.
Abuela Sarito was one of those who frequently made the journey to Medellín on foot, traveling back and forth to deliver her weekly harvest. She sold her goods door-to-door—where she was well-known—or at the Plaza Cisneros and La Placita de Flores markets. She remained committed to this tradition even after the road to Santa Elena opened, and transportation improved, continuing to make the trip to Medellín to offer her products alongside her grandchildren.
She had one daughter, María Concepción, to whom she dedicated all her efforts, as well as her grandchildren. She was a caring, generous, and supportive woman, though she possessed a strict character. Deeply Catholic and devoted to the Holy Cross, she had a great passion for traditional cuisine. Her favorites included beans with cabbage, arepa de chócolo cooked over hot embers, sweet squash, rice pudding, and traditional mazamorra. During the Christmas season, her table was always filled with natilla, sweets, and buñuelos—delicacies that remain a cherished part of the culture celebrated during the Medellín Flower Festival.
However, evolving into a public silletera farm and museum was not their family’s initial goal. Instead, it emerged as an organic process. As the popularity of the Medellín Flower Festival grew, there was a rising need for authentic spaces in Santa Elena to explain the roots and origins of the silletera culture. By 2010, there were no dedicated places in the region where information about the history, spaces, and customs of the silletera tradition could be consolidated. In response, Abuela Sarito’s family began a rigorous research process to document and preserve these cultural practices. This effort led to the formal establishment of the Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm and Museum in 2010—a milestone that would not have been possible without the enduring legacy of Abuela Sarito, whose life and family role laid the foundation for the rich cultural wealth we celebrate today.
Today, the farm—now inherited by her daughter and 12 grandchildren—has been meticulously transformed into a dedicated space for preserving and celebrating silletera culture as we know it today.
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- Abuela Sarito’s eldest grandson, Guillermo, now manages the farm
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- Awards received by Abuela Sarito Farm for its silletera heritage
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- Don Guillermo, representing the silletera farm, has shared silletera culture in over 10 countries
Since 2010, the Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm—led by Abuela Sarito and now continued by her family under the direction of Guillermo León Vásquez (Parade silletero and native of Vereda Mazo. He is the eldest son of the Vásquez Gutiérrez family, and works as a forest ranger )—has created diverse spaces and cultural offerings for locals and visitors alike. You will find that they preserve the Silletera tradition not only through flower cultivation but also by safeguarding an ancestral way of life. Through their collection of ancient utensils, tools, antiques, photographs, and artifacts that brought Santa Elena to life and supported hundreds of families in this craft, they have transformed the farm into a museum of great regional significance, which will allow you to gain a glimpse into how Antioquian families lived in Santa Elena nearly a century ago, as an essential and privileged way to enrich your Medellín Flower Festival experience.
FERIA DE LAS FLORES PDF Guide
Download the Flower Festival Medellín 2026 Free PDF Guide and know more about the events programmed for Feria de las Flores in English.
What is the Medellín Flower Festival Experience provided by Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm?
At the Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm and Museum, they offer spacious facilities designed to transport you back in time. You can explore over 400 historical artifacts and their traditional uses, wander through our beautiful gardens, visit their unique rammed-earth chapel, and walk along an ecological trail. You can immerse yourself in the Silletera experience by learning how to craft a commercial silleta, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with live music or a DJ playing tropical rhythms. With parking available for cars and buses, they provide everything needed for a comfortable visit. As a traditional family, their mission is to celebrate and preserve the territory’s natural heritage and the rich Silletera culture by living properly everything they offer:
Flower Gardens
You will find extensive flower crops and gardens, carefully cultivated year-round to ensure visitors can enjoy them in any season. These gardens showcase the vast natural heritage of Santa Elena, featuring a wide variety of blooms including siemprevivas, star of bethlehem, goldenrod, calla lilies, pansies, dahlias, gladioli, poinsettias, cockscombs, hydrangeas, agapanthus, alstroemeria, sunflowers, carnations, chrysanthemums, daisies, pompons, anthuriums, and orchids. These vibrant displays are natural magnets for pollinators such as butterflies, hummingbirds, migratory birds, and bees, all of which are fundamental to the farm’s ecosystem.
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- Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm features extensive rural grounds
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- Flowers are part of the daily landscape at Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm. Photo by COSSE
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- Hand-crafted silleta using native Santa Elena flowers at Abuela Sarito Farm’s interactive workshop
Traditional Antioquian Fonda
You will find spaces such as the fonda, a traditional Antioquian tavern designed to recreate the atmosphere in which locals once gathered to celebrate, converse, and spend time together. Here, you can listen to the family’s silletero story, learn about the craft, and even try your hand at creating your own silleta. Additionally, they provide traditional costumes for photos in their beautifully themed “Lovers’ Balcony” (Balcón de los Enamorados).
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- A fonda is a traditional cultural space recreating old Antioquian taverns
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- Traditional taverns where past generations gathered to socialize to the rhythm of music
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- Fondas are deeply identifying cultural elements of the rural areas in the Antioquia department
Replica of a Traditional Chapel
You will find a replica of a traditional rammed-earth chapel, designed to resemble Catholic chapels and churches of the past. This space highlights the craftsmanship, techniques, materials, and ancestral wisdom of those who built the original peasant homes, serving as a tribute to an essential element of our rural and silletero heritage.
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- The old chapels in rural areas were made of rammed earth, wattle and daub, and mud
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- Faith is also a very identity-defining and essential element within the silletera and peasant culture
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- In this replica of a chapel, you will find various religious elements and symbols from that era
Familiar Museum
Displayed throughout the house and along its corridors is a collection of over 400 historical artifacts—including traditional tools, utensils, pottery, radios, typewriters, vinyl records, and paintings—that offers a glimpse into the peasant lifestyle of the past. You will also find the family’s photographic museum, which preserves pivotal moments in silletera history and highlights the experiences and individuals who have shaped the legacy of Abuela Sarito’s family.
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- Work tools passed down through generations
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- Elements and utensils typical of an old Antioquian kitchen
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- Part of the historical collection that includes radios and work tools
Typical Restaurant
The Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm and Museum features a traditional kitchen that honors the culinary methods of Santa Elena’s early settlers. Here, authentic Antioquian dishes—such as aguapanela, mazamorra, sancocho, hearty bean stews, and arepas with fresh cheese—are prepared over a wood-fired stove. This traditional cooking method imparts a unique, authentic flavor, offering visitors a true taste of the local heritage during the Medellín Flower Festival.
Ecological Trail
Located in a prime area of Santa Elena—the heart of the countryside—the farm benefits from a rich natural ecosystem. They offer an ecological trail near the Silletera farm, allowing visitors to explore the local forests, diverse tree species, and regional flora and fauna. Drawing on years of experience as a forest ranger, their manager, Guillermo León Vásquez, has curated this trail to ensure it is both safe and a perfect way to admire the region’s stunning rural beauty.
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- The silletera farm has various exits that have marked ecological trails
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- The ecological trails allow you to know the native fauna and flora of the region
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- Nature completely surrounds every corner of this silletera farm, ensuring direct and privileged contact with nature
Ample Parking Lot
The farm features ample parking, so you can park with peace of mind. It is also easily accessible by public transportation, which drops you off right at the entrance, just 15 minutes from the Parque Arví Metro Cable station.
As a year-round host for the Medellín Flower Festival, the Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm and Museum utilizes its beautiful, natural setting to welcome a wide range of guests. They cater to family gatherings, corporate retreats, workshops, and meetings, as well as special celebrations such as weddings and birthday parties. They also welcome hikers and other visitors looking to enjoy their unique environment. All activities can be tailored to meet your specific needs; contact them by clicking here.
FERIA DE LAS FLORES PDF Guide
Download the Flower Festival Medellín 2026 Free PDF Guide and know more about the events programmed for Feria de las Flores in English.
How to Get to Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm?
The Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm and Museum is located in the rural area east of Medellín, within the township of Santa Elena, specifically in the Mazo district. The journey from Medellín takes approximately one hour, depending on your starting location. Below are various options you can consider to travel to this iconic place and enjoy the Medellín Flower Festival.
Private Car or Rideshare Apps
The trip takes between 45 and 55 minutes from the city center or El Poblado. There are two main access routes:
Santa Elena Road (Main Route)
Drive up through Buenos Aires (an extension of Calle 49 / Ayacucho). Upon reaching the central area of Santa Elena (near El Silletero restaurant), turn left towards Vereda Mazo and Parque Arví. This route does not include tolls along the way.
Vía Las Palmas Route
This path uses the Túnel de Oriente, which requires a toll. However, it typically offers better traffic flow and connects directly to the road leading to Santa Elena, often making it slightly faster than the main route.
Public Transportation
Depending on your route, the journey typically takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. There are two main ways to reach the farm using public transportation.
Metro + Metrocable System (The most scenic route)
Take Metro Line A to Acevedo Station, transfer to Line K to Santo Domingo Station, and then board Line L (Metrocable Arví), which offers a stunning view of Medellín’s rural and forested areas. Get off at Arví Station; from there, you can either walk or take a local bus (colectivo) passing through Vereda Mazo, which is no more than 15 minutes away.
Trasancoop Buses
You can board these in downtown Medellín at the Santa Elena bus stop located near La Placita de Flórez (Carrera 41 and Calle 50). These buses depart every 30 minutes and go through every Santa Elena vereda. This route will drop you off very close to the farm’s entrance. If you want to make sure the bus goes directly to Vereda Mazo, you can contact the company by clicking here.
What are some tips to fully experience the Medellín Flower Festival at Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm?
To ensure the best experience at Abuela Sarito during the Medellín Flower Festival, and at any time of the year, it’s essential to check prices, contact details, and transport routes, and to keep weather and ecosystem conditions in mind. Here are some tips for visitors who want to gain a deeper understanding of the rich silletera heritage and local peasant traditions.
FERIA DE LAS FLORES PDF Guide
Download the Flower Festival Medellín 2026 Free PDF Guide and know more about the events programmed for Feria de las Flores in English.
Medellin Guru's comprehensive Colombian culture series
In Medellin Guru, we love Colombia, and we usually write many blogs about Colombian culture, places to visit, and other tips for all expats to have a reliable guide and valuable and relevant information about Colombia. Read our blogs about Colombian Culture here:
- Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia: Top Things to Do
- Top Things to Do in Medellín and Nearby: Top Tourist Attractions
- How to be an Expat in Colombia: 12 Tips to be a Successful Expat
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- Things in Colombia That May Be Strange for Foreigners
- Things Colombians Do That Foreigners May Find Weird
- Popayán: A Well-Preserved Colonial Gem in Colombia Worth Visiting
- Tejo: A Colombian Game That Rewards You for Explosions
Other things to see and do in Colombia
- Caño Cristales – the most beautiful river in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful river in the world by some people.
- Carnival in Barranquilla – the second largest carnival in the world.
- Cartagena – Oozing history, romance and sun-drenched beaches, the allure of historical Cartagena is hard to resist.
- Ciudad Perdida – the site of an ancient city in Colombia that is older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
- Colombia’s Pacific coast – often overlooked by tourists visiting Colombia but offering untamed nature and undiscovered beauty that is off the beaten path for most foreign tourists.
- Desierto de la Tatacoa – the second largest arid zone in Colombia is Tatacoa Desert, which has surreal desert landscapes and some of the best stargazing in Colombia.
- Guatapé – a picturesque pueblo near Medellín known for its huge rock and lake. And it’s likely the most visited pueblo in Colombia by foreigners.
- La Guajira Peninsula – one of the most visually stunning places in South America, which is located on the northern tip of Colombia where the desert meets the sea.
- Las Lajas Sanctuary – the most beautiful church in Colombia, which has also been called the most beautiful church in the world.
- Medellín’s Christmas lights – Medellín’s annual world-class Christmas lights known as Alumbrados Navideños.
- Feria de Las Flores Medellin – Medellín’s world-famous flower festival each year.
- Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados – a popular national park in Colombia located in the heart of the Colombian coffee region.
- Parque Tayrona – known for its beautiful beaches and the world’s highest coastal mountain range.
- Popayán – a colonial gem in Colombia best known for its white buildings and churches, it’s a city off the beaten path for foreign tourists but is definitely worth visiting.
- Rio Claro Nature Reserve – located about three hours from Medellín, Rio Claro is the perfect place to unplug from hectic daily life and enjoy a picturesque crystal-clear river, canyon and tropical rainforest.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley – Salento is a picturesque pueblo in Colombia’s coffee region and the nearby Cocora Valley is one of the most striking landscapes found in Colombia.
- San Agustín Archaeological Park – the largest group of pre-Columbian monuments and megalithic statues in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- San Andrés – Colombia’s Caribbean island which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve featuring many beaches, islets and coral reefs that are filled with flora and fauna.
- San Gil – Colombia’s adventure capital that is full of things to do including white water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, hiking and much more.
- San Jose del Guaviare – a hidden gem and eco-tourism location off the beaten path and offering wildlife watching, jungle trekking and delving into Colombia’s prehistoric past.
The Bottom Line: Abuela Sarito: The Ultimate Medellín Flower Festival Farm Tour
When planning your visit to the Medellín Flower Festival, choosing the right experience can transform a simple sightseeing trip into a profound cultural discovery. Finca Silletera Abuela Sarito stands out as the ultimate choice for those seeking an authentic connection to the heart of Santa Elena, experiencing:
- A Profound Cultural Discovery: Move beyond simple sightseeing and gain an authentic connection to the heart of Santa Elena.
- Living History: Explore a rich heritage preserved through over 400 historical artifacts and decades of family legacy in a dedicated museum setting.
- Holistic Immersion: Experience more than just a tour; the farm provides a window into the ancestral Antioquian way of life, blending vibrant flower gardens with peaceful ecological trails.
- Authentic Traditions: From the traditional storytelling in the fonda to tasting local dishes prepared on a wood-fired stove, every element is designed to honor silletero culture.
- Year-Round Accessibility: Whether you are celebrating during the Medellín Flower Festival or visiting at any other time of year, this farm is an essential destination for those seeking to be immersed as guests rather than mere observers.
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