Fincas silleteras or “Silleteras Farms” are a fundamental part of the culture and traditions of Medellín. Thanks to the silletas and all the hard work invested in the floriculture in Antioquia, peasants were able to provide great quality products to the Colombian and international markets, of their products, and the marketing of flowers and vegetables.
Since 1957, when the first official Silleteros Parade was held, in which a group of farmers from the village of Santa Elena paraded with their silletas loaded with flowers and vegetables, and after the declaration by the Congress of the Republic in 2003 of Law 838 declaring the Silleteros and the Flower Fair of Medellin as cultural heritage of the Nation, Santa Elena has become the epicenter of the Silletero culture, safeguarding in its Silletero farms, through the cultivation of flowers. This heritage has transcended time and is eternal in the hearts of locals and foreigners.
The History of Silleteros
and its Silleteras farms
The tradition of the silleteros in Medellín and in other geographies of the Colombian Andean region dates back to many years ago, when peasants and Indigenous people carried wooden “chairs” or “silletas” on their backs as a rudimentary means of transportation, considering the conditions of the Andean landscape: rocks, cliffs, swampy roads between mountains, forests, and scrubland.
Initially, there were two types of silleteros: the Carguero, who carried on his back various objects from other parts of the country and the world (crockery, pianos, furniture, porcelain, religious images, suitcases, etc.). The second one was the Sillero, who used to carry sick passengers and was known for their strength, helpfulness, and talkativeness during the journey. Particularly among the farmers of Santa Elena, the silletas were also beginning to be used as a way to carry the flowers to Medellín and sell them after hours of walking.
This is how the silleta, which continued to be associated with the transport of sick or helpless people, was used by the farmers of Santa Elena to market their products in Medellín, especially between 1918 and 1976, with the special characteristic of the fertility that the land possessed to grow beautiful and colorful flowers. The silletero, a flower and vegetable vendor, became a colorful character in the urban landscape of the city center and some neighborhoods, where they brought supplies by order. In 1925, Braulio Ochoa was the first flower grower to take the road to Medellín with a flowery silleta on his back. He was followed by other characters with surnames such as Grajales, Soto, and Jurado, who still designate silleteras families today.
Most Popular Silletera Farms in Santa Elena
This story was woven from Santa Elena for at least 50 years of the twentieth century, thanks to the people who had the cultivation of flowers and vegetables as a trade. From then on, the custom of assembling and carrying silletas full of flowers was perpetuated with the institution of the silleteros parade, which continued carrying the precious floral arrangements on their backs, but with a commemorative sense once a year.
This colorful and beautiful route, which is the central axis of the Flower Festival, continues to be guarded and exposed to the whole world from the so-called “Silletero Farms,” most of which are still a family inheritance managed by generations who have bequeathed the love for the land, flowers and the profession of being a floriculturist. From these places, it is possible to immerse yourself in a journey full of history, traditions, colors, and much pride for locals and strangers for its identity and historical value for the city of Medellin.
Below, we present some of them so that you can get to know the family network and the tradition that each of these farms guards:
Abuela Sarito Silletera Farm
It is located in the center of the village of Mazo, specializing in collecting objects with great historical value in our territory and ancestral customs. It has a typical cottage as an auditorium is anfitrion, Guillermo provides interactive workshops that bring visitors closer to the peasant knowledge, while you walk by a traditional and ornamental flower garden.
Chagualo Silletera farm
It is located in the village of Pantanillo, surrounded by a natural forest inhabited by multiple species of butterflies and birds that live among native tree species of Santa Elena. You can go to the tour calmly and attentively because its host, Aristides Rios, has a great reputation as a storyteller and knowledgeable of the silletera cultural tradition. You’ll aso find additional services such as trout, blackberry, strawberry, cape gooseberry, and potato crops.
Los Sarros Silletera Farm
It is located in the village of Piedra Gorda. It has a nature trail that allows you to discover great biodiversity of fauna and flora, native species of trees and flowers that are bird habitats, and the nursery “Salpicón,” where multicolored gardens are preserved and propagated. Here, the tradition is passed down from generation to generation to guarantee the conservation of the silletera manifestation in the family by the hand of the host, Carlos Alberto Grisales Ramírez.
El Pensamiento Silletera Farm
It is located in the village of Barro Blanco, in the El Rosario sector with multicolored gardens that transport visitors to an unparalleled experience. The extensive knowledge in agriculture and floriculture of its host, José Ángel Zapata Amariles, translates into fresh food, smells, and colors that permanently adorn the farm surrounded by high mountain Andean forests that provide visitors with natural tours through incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna.
El Porvenir Silletera Farm
It is located in the village of El Plan with a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the Aburrá Valley that dazzles visitors and tourists. There is also a path through colorful gardens that bloom all year round, along with fruit and vegetable crops grown by its host, Raúl Grajales, who gladly shares his knowledge and all the stories obtained in numerous national representations.
Silletera Heritage Silletera Farm
It is located in the village of El Placer. Thanks to its hosts, Dorigo de Jesús Zapata Alzate and Edelmira Grisales de Zapata, it has one of the township’s most representative traditional and ornamental gardens. It also has a large conference room with interactive workshops on the evolution of the silletera culture and a museum with objects of historical value for the township’s cultural manifestation.
La Casa del Silletero Londoño Family – Silletera Farm
It is located on the Barro Blanco road. Visiting the Londoño family on their farm allows you to discover the silletera tradition immersed in modernity, with the unique contribution of five generations delegating this profession. In the front garden, there is a handicraft fair organized by the community for the benefit of the artisans. In addition, there is a natural forest in which we can find different species of Orchids, Bromeliads, Mosses, and Anthuriums in situ (in their place of origin).
Los Girasoles Silletera Farm
It is located in the village of Barro Blanco, in the El Rosario sector with several orchards and gardens filled all year round with flowers and vegetables that favor the sighting of native birds and birds of passage, as well as floral and arboreal species; it also has a silletero corner with historical objects characteristic of the silletera manifestation, preserved by its host Joaquín Emilio Zapata Amariles.
Los Grajales Silletera Farm
It is located on the Piedra Gorda trail. It has a large garden with traditional flowers and ornamental, aromatic, and medicinal plants. Its hostess, Leopoldina Alzate de Grajales, leads a family of silleteros who also keep a silletero corner with historical objects of our culture and many awards obtained over time through significant national and international representations.
El Cerezo Silletera Farm
A beautiful Finca Silletera that conforms a large family led by its hostess, Gloria Álzate Vásquez. It has a large garden of traditional and ornamental flowers, medicinal plants, vegetables, and greens, offering a tour through trails that adorn the spaces for flower cultivation.
Security tips to be safe during the Flower Festival in Medellin
Medellin is a beautiful city with a rich culture and diverse landscape to explore and when you choose it as your next destination, it is essential to be aware of many safety and behavior facts.
Use a money belt or hidden pouch to prevent theft
You should be careful not to store your personal items in the clothes you are wearing. Pockets of jeans, pants, jackets or shirts are the most common to be violated.
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Watch your belongings
Unscrupulous people take advantage and commit crimes. Take particular care with smart phones, which are the most commonly stolen items in Medellín. See our article about security for more safety tips.
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Mobilize yourself with friends or groups, especially at night
If possible, attend the different group activities. At the Feria de las Flores there are many events that take place at night. You can make groups with friends or coordinate meetings in our official Facebook group.
Bring your documents with you
You should carry your ID with you – your cedula if you have one or a copy of your passport.
Register for events online
Download the Guide and call or send a text to the phones attached.
Stay present and aware of your surroundings
Never lose focus on the present moment. Observe well the people around you, and the place where you are.
Be careful exploring the city
Be careful while you’re exploring different neighborhoods and interacting with locals.
Avoid consuming alcohol in excess
The most important thing as an expat is to leave a good example in every country we visit. Therefore, it is essential to be controlled in terms of the consumption of spirits to maintain an appropriate behavior.
Attend events with comfortable clothes
It can be hot so dress appropriately. Bring an umbrella, you never know when it may rain in Medellín.
Ask for help in case of emergency
Remember there are trained personnel at all the events for emergencies.
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Public Transportation
Use public transport such as buses, taxis and the Medellín Metro system to get to events, as parking is limited.
Get a Health Insurance
Traveling to a new place can be overwhelming, and safety is always a top priority. It’s essential to remain vigilant and cautious to ensure you have a great experience in the country. An assistance policy covering various events, like document loss or medical emergencies, can provide peace of mind during your time in Medellin.
While visiting or living in Colombia, it’s always better to be prepared for emergencies and stay safe with your loved ones. That’s why we’ve created an emergency guide with all the essential numbers you might need to call in an emergency.
The FREE Colombia Emergency Directory guide includes:
- Emergency Telephone Directory
- Hospitals in Medellin / Police Stations in Medellin
- Hospitals in Bogotá / Police Stations in Bogotá
- Hospitals in Cali / Police Stations in Cali
- Hospitals in Barranquilla / Police Stations in Barranquilla
Find out your embassy contact information
Knowing your embassy’s location and contact information is essential for a foreigner living or traveling in Colombia. Embassies provide various services, such as consular assistance and emergency services, to their citizens. In an emergency, your embassy can provide you with important information and support, including legal aid, medical care, and help replacing lost or stolen passports. You can find any Embassy located in Colombia through the Official Directory of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps accredited in Colombia.
Also, if you’re from the United States, we made a Safety Guide for US Citizens in Colombia that provides emergency contact information for Americans visiting the country. The FREE safety guide exclusive for Americans includes:
- U.S Embassy contact information
- US Embassy Online Service Office
- How to report a death or an arrest
- Obtain help if you’re a victim of a crime or gender violence
- Get financial help, legal advice, or health assistance
Medellin Flower Festival Blogs in Medellin Guru
Silleteras Farms in Santa Elena, Medellin
Feria de las Flores: History of the Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia
Feria de las Flores Medellin 2024: Schedule of Events and Expat Tips
Safety Tips to Attend the Medellin Flower Festival as an Expat
The Bottom Line: Silletera Farms in Santa Elena, Medellin
During the Flower Festival in Medellin, silletera farms play a crucial role in preserving and showcasing Colombia’s rich floral heritage. These farms serve as the primary source of the gorgeous flowers used to create the elaborate and stunning silleteros’ floral arrangements. The festival not only celebrates the vibrant beauty of the flowers but also honors the hard work and tradition of the silleteros who proudly carry on this cultural legacy.
Without these farms, the spectacular floral displays and parades that define the festival would not be possible. The silleteros’ dedication to their farms and the art of flower arranging is a testament to the enduring significance of these farms during the Flower Festival in Medellin.
