Attending the Medellin Flower Festival is an incredible opportunity to experience Colombia's rich culture and traditions. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy the festivities with peace of mind and make lasting memories as an expat in this beautiful city. Stay safe, stay aware, and have a wonderful time at the Medellin Flower Festival!

Safety Tips to Attend the Medellin Flower Festival as an Expat

The Medellin Flower Festival, or “Feria de las Flores,” is one of Colombia’s most vibrant and colorful celebrations, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world. As an expat attending this lively event, it’s important to prioritize your safety to ensure a fun and trouble-free experience. This guide offers essential safety tips for expats planning to attend the Medellin Flower Festival.

Medellin Flower Festival: Safety tips for Expats

Generally, Feria de las Flores in Medellin is safe because there is a strong police and security presence at all events. However, as an expat you should be aware of some security measures that will help you avoid unwanted situations.

Research the event's locations and be careful exploring the city

Before attending the festival, familiarize yourself with the event’s schedule, locations, and activities. Understanding the layout of Medellin, particularly where festival events will be held, can help you navigate the city more efficiently and avoid areas that may be less safe.

Be careful while you’re exploring different neighborhoods and interacting with locals. Don’t go to dangerous neighborhoods and trust your instinct about the people who approach you. In general, people in Medellín are very sociable and you should not reject them, but be aware of any strange attitude. Use public transport such as buses, taxis and the Medellín Metro system to get to events, as parking is limited. Don’t walk late at night and by yourself.

Principal locations of the Flower Festival Events

Santa Elena

Sector Obelisco

Atanasio Girardot Stadium

Plaza de Gardel

To see other locations, download the Flower Festival FREE guide in English

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. 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 and protect yourself of be to be neutralized with invasive substances.

One of the notable dangers is scopolamine, also known as “Devil’s Breath.” This substance can be used to incapacitate victims, rendering them highly suggestible and unable to remember what happened. We wrote an entire blog about scopolamine and its effects.

Many hospitals in Medellin know how to treat this type of case, so keep emergency guides with the addresses and contact information of the main hospitals in the city. Although Medellin hospitals have ER (Emergency Room), it is much faster and safer to have health insurance beforehand that has nationwide emergency coverage. Get it using the button below, and you will have adequate protection throughout the festival.

Get a health policy and be safe during Feria de las Flores 2024

Accident coverage
Emergency dental
Emergency care in hospitals and clinics
Medical prescription
Accidental death and repatriation coverage

Get it for only $11 per day!Or just for $9 per day

Be vigilant and cautious of theft and other forms of assault

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.

In Colombia, as in any other country, it’s crucial to be aware of common theft techniques to take preventive measures and protect yourself. Here are six of the most common theft techniques and tips on how to avoid them.

1. Pickpocketing

Thieves use distraction tactics in crowded places to steal wallets, phones, and other valuables without the victim noticing.

This is how you can prevent it:

2. The Chilean Package

In this scam, thieves make it seem like they have found a package of money on the street. They deceive the victim into contributing a sum of money in exchange for a portion of the supposed find, only to disappear with the victim’s money.

This is how you can prevent it:

3. Millionaire Ride

Criminals in Colombia temporarily kidnap the victim, usually after they get into a taxi, and force them to withdraw money from several ATMs.

This is how you can prevent it:

4. Window Smash

This method involves breaking the window of a parked car to steal valuables that are visible inside.

This is how you can prevent it:

5. Armed Robbery

Assailants approach victims on the street, in public transportation, or in their vehicles, using weapons to steal their belongings.

This is how you can prevent it:

Being informed about these theft techniques and following preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of theft in Colombia. Vigilance and caution are your best allies for enjoying a safe experience in the country. Getting an assistance policy covering various events, including document loss or medical emergencies, can be extremely helpful during your time in Medellin.

During the Feria de las Flores, you can purchase Assist Card plans for seven days or even longer. These plans provide coverage not only within the national territory but also internationally.

$11 USD/Daily

Medical Assistance in case of accident or ilness: USD 60,000
Medical Prescription: USD 1.000
Assistance for lost or stolen documents Included!
Emergency Dental Included!
Lost luggage tracking Included!
Accidental death - Common Carrier

$9 USD/Daily

Medical Assistance in case of accident or ilness: USD 35,000
Medical Prescription: USD 800
Assistance for lost or stolen documents Included!
Emergency Dental Included!
Lost luggage tracking Included!

Other tips to enjoy the Medellin Flower Festival safe

We are thrilled to welcome you to Medellin’s Flower Festival. This genuinely captivating event brings together visitors from across the globe. Our top priority is to ensure that your visit is enjoyable, safe, and secure. We will give you more tips on being safe during the Medellin festival.

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.
Register for events online
Purchase tickets and enter the event venues in advance. This will prevent you from having to wait for your admission outside the establishments and exposing yourself to danger. 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.

Wear low-profile clothing
Don't carry expensive, or at first glance, expensive accessories. This way you will avoid unwanted attention from unscrupulous people.
Ask for help in case of emergency
Remember there are trained personnel at all the events for emergencies. Also, download our emergency guide where you can find the principal emergency numbers of Colombia, and contact information of hospitals and police stations.

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.

Understand local laws and customs
Being aware of local laws and cultural norms is crucial for any expat. This includes understanding public behavior expectations, legal drinking ages, and prohibited substances. Respecting these customs will not only keep you out of legal trouble but also help you blend in more seamlessly with locals.
Contact your embassy
You must have the contact information of your embassy in case of emergency. If you are US Citizen, we have prepared a free guide with relevant data of the American Embassy. Knowing your embassy's location and contact information is essential for a foreigner living or traveling in Colombia.

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:

Medellin Guru Guides

Download Safety Guide for US Citizens in Colombia we have created with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia.

Create a communication plan with emergency contacts
Establish a communication plan with friends or family back home. Share your itinerary and check in regularly. Make sure you have a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and your country's embassy or consulate.
Health insurance policy
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.

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.

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 Bottom Line: Safety Tips to Attend the Medellin Flower Festival as an Expat

Attending the Medellin Flower Festival is an exciting experience, offering a unique glimpse into Colombia’s vibrant culture. To ensure a safe and enjoyable time, it’s essential to be prepared. Research the festival, understand local customs, and establish a communication plan. Stay vigilant during the event, secure your belongings, and be cautious with food and drinks. Utilize reliable transportation, keep health considerations in mind, and be familiar with emergency procedures. By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the festival safely as an expat.