Feria de las Flores, or Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia, has a rich history that reflects the city's cultural heritage and resilience. From its humble beginnings in 1957, it has grown into a grand celebration that attracts international attention. The festival's evolution has included diverse events and activities, making it a dynamic and inclusive celebration of Medellin's floral legacy and cultural vibrancy.

Feria de las Flores: History of the Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia

The Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia, known locally as “Feria de las Flores,” is an annual celebration typically celebrated in August, which transforms the city into a spectacular center of floral displays, parades, music, and cultural festivities. The duration of the festival is usually 10 days, when there are developed funniest activities, from the traditional Silleteros Parade (Desfile de Silleteros), the Classic Cars Parade (Desfile de Autos Clásicos), and many other shows, concerts, and exhibitions.

FERIA DE LAS FLORES Guide

Download the Flower Festival 2024 Guide and know more about the events programmed for Feria de las Flores Medellin 2024 in english.

The Medellin Flower Festival has great cultural and historical significance for Medellin and its residents. It celebrates the city’s rich floral heritage and the hard work of its flower farmers, known as Silleteros. The festival showcases the beauty and diversity of Colombian flowers and underscores Medellin’s transformation from a city once plagued by violence to one that embraces art, culture, and a community spirit that welcomes all people who want to know more about the region.

Over the decades, the Flower Festival has evolved from a small local event into an internationally recognized celebration incorporating more elements, such as musical performances, beauty pageants, and additional parades. The event’s duration expanded, and its popularity grew, attracting visitors from all countries.

In this year 2024, the expectations of the Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia are higher than in the past. The events and activities are increased, and many expats are preparing themselves to live the entire festival. Consider all the safety tips when attending the Flower Festival as an expat and get health policy assistance that can cover you in an emergency or if you lose documents. By getting the Assist Card Health Insurance using the button below, you can enjoy Feria the Flores without worries.

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The History of Feria de las Flores

The origins of the Flower Festival date back to May 1, 1957, when Arturo Uribe Arango, a member of the Board of the Office of Development and Tourism, organized the first event. The initial celebration was a modest affair promoting Medellin’s burgeoning flower industry. It featured a parade of Silleteros, who carried intricate flower arrangements on their backs, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century when flower farmers transported their goods to market this way.

The Silleteros’ parade is the heart and soul of the Flower Festival. Silleteros are flower growers from the nearby town of Santa Elena, and their tradition of creating and carrying flower arrangements on wooden frames, known as silletas, is a unique cultural practice.

This tradition is deeply rooted in Antioquian heritage and symbolizes the resilience and creativity of the region’s people. The Flower Festival preserves and promotes this cultural legacy, ensuring that future generations appreciate the artistry and dedication involved in flower farming.

Several key events have marked the evolution of the Flower Festival. The Desfile de Silleteros, or Silleteros Parade, remains iconic, with participants showcasing stunning floral displays. But now, many events were been incorporated over the years.

Historic dates related to the Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia

May 1st, 1957

The first Medellin Flower Festival

It was organized by Arturo Uribe Arango. The event featured a parade of Silleteros from Santa Elena, marking the beginning of what would become an enduring tradition. One year later, the festival was moved to August to coincide with Medellin and Colombia Independence celebrations, such as the Battle of Boyacá (August 7th) and Antioquia Independence (August 11th).

From 1970s to 1980s

Expansion and Popularity

The Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia continued to expand, adding events like the Cabalgata, a traditional horseback parade, and beauty pageants. The festival began to attract national attention and became a significant cultural event in Colombia.

Despite the turmoil and violence that plagued Medellin during this period, the festival persisted, providing a sense of normalcy and continuity for the city's residents. The festival's resilience during these years highlighted its importance as a cultural anchor for Medellin.

From 1990s to 2000s

International Recognition

The festival saw increased involvement from international artists and performers, elevating its status and attracting more tourists, including modern elements such as concerts and urban art displays that blended tradition with contemporary culture.

In 1996, the creation of the Orquideorama, an exhibition dedicated to orchids, bromeliads, and bonsais, showcased the region's botanical diversity and became a major festival highlight. Also, in 1999, the Feria Nacional de Artesanías was introduced, highlighting Colombian handicrafts and promoting local artisans. The Flower Festival became a symbol of Medellin's transformation. The festival was crucial in this rebranding, attracting international media coverage and seeing an unprecedented number of local and international attendees.

From 2010s to present

A huge transformation of Feria de las Flores

The Silleteros Parade now features over 500 Silleteros, which remains the festival's centerpiece. In 2017, the 60th anniversary of the Flower Festival was marked by special events and retrospectives celebrating its history and cultural impact.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, but the festival adapted with virtual events and socially distanced activities. As the world began to recover from the pandemic, the Flower Festival resumed its in-person events, continuing to innovate while honoring its rich traditions. The festival's blend of historical and contemporary elements ensures its ongoing relevance and appeal.

Contributions of the Flower Festival for Medellin and Colombia

The Flower Festival has a significant socio-economic impact on Medellin and all of Colombia. Tourism in Medellin always increases during the Flower Festival, with visitors from all over the world flocking to experience the vibrant atmosphere and participate in the festivities. The event has helped rebrand Medellin as a cultural and tourist destination, shedding its previous negative image.

The statistics provided by Migración Colombia show that the highest rates of foreign arrivals are in July, coinciding with the dates for the festival (normally scheduled in late July and early August). The last statistics show that in July 2023, 84,788 expats arrived, and after Medellin, they went to other cities in Colombia.

It generates substantial revenue for the city, boosting local businesses and providing employment opportunities. The festival also promotes Medellin’s flower industry, which is vital to the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and shops benefit from the influx of tourists, while artisans and vendors find a lucrative market for their products.

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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.
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.
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.

FERIA DE LAS FLORES Guide

Download the Flower Festival 2024 Guide and know more about the events programmed for Feria de las Flores Medellin 2024 in english.

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.
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.

Stay Protected at the Flower Festival!

Safeguard your well-being with health insurance and anticipate an unforgettable experience at the Flower Festival Medellin 2024, enjoying the best safety and health care benefits.

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:

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:

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Medellin Flower Festival Blogs in Medellin Guru

Feria de las Flores - Medellin Guru Experience

The 67th edition of the Flower Festival in Medellin was a vibrant and enchanting celebration showcasing Colombia’s flowers’ beauty and diversity. This event offered us a feast for the senses, featuring stunning parades, stages, lively music, and a joyful atmosphere permeating the city.

Like every year, one of the main attractions of the Flower Festival was the Classic Cars Parade. The parade featured vintage convertible cars and old automobiles decorated with colorful flowers. It was a nostalgic journey through time, showcasing classic cars’ timeless elegance and beauty alongside the people’s happiness.

The night before the main event, we had the unforgettable opportunity to visit Santa Elena, where we witnessed the incredible hard work and dedication of the silleteros as they prepared their elaborate floral arrangements. It was truly awe-inspiring to see these skilled artisans meticulously crafting their stunning silletas, each a work of art that reflected the region’s rich traditions and cultural heritage.

The culmination of the festival was the Silleteros Parade, a magnificent spectacle that filled the streets of Medellin with a riot of color and pride. The parade featured an incredible display of floral arrangements carried on the backs of the silleteros, where their passion and pride were palpable as they paraded through the city, deserving the applause, admiration, and ovation of locals and foreigners who embraced the most paisa tradition of all.

Definitely, The 2024 Flower Festival was a testament to Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and a vibrant expression of the country’s love for our peasants and their traditions, recognizing in them the ones who carry on their backs our roots and hopes. For anyone who has the opportunity to attend the Flower Festival, don’t hesitate! We’ll see you next year to have an unforgettable experience that ignites the senses and makes our hearts burn in admiration for this unique legacy.

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:

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: Feria de las Flores - History of the Flower Festival in Medellin Colombia

The Flower Festival’s historic timeline reflects its ability to adapt and grow while staying true to its cultural roots. As Medellin continues to evolve, the festival will likely incorporate more technological innovations and sustainable practices, ensuring it remains a beloved and integral part of the city’s cultural heritage for generations.

The Flower Festival’s ongoing importance in Medellin Colombia lies in its ability to unite people, celebrate tradition, and drive economic growth. It is a testament to Medellin’s transformation and commitment to preserving and promoting its unique cultural identity. As the festival continues to evolve, it remains a symbol of hope, creativity, and community for the people of Medellin and a shining example of how cultural heritage can foster unity and progress.