Feria de las Flores
Medellín's flower festival with the silletero parade.
Feria de las Flores turns Medellin into a riot of scent and color each August, celebrating Antioquia’s flower-growing culture with gigantesque floral tableaux carried by silleteros. The week mixes a jubilant citywide parade, live music and markets, giving travellers a vivid window into rural traditions and urban festivity.
Feria de las Flores at a Glance#
When: August each year, a week of events culminating in the Silletero Parade on a Sunday.
Where: Medellín, Colombia - citywide, with the main parade moving through central avenues.
Cost: Main parade and most street events are free, though select concerts and exhibitions require tickets.
Don’t miss: The Desfile de Silleteros (silletero parade) showcasing giant back-carried floral displays and the flower patios of Santa Elena.
About Feria de las Flores#
Feria de las Flores is Medellín’s annual celebration of flowers and Antioquia culture in Colombia, bringing rural growers and city crowds together each August. Its roots lie in the silletero tradition - mountain farmers who historically carried elaborate bouquets on their backs to sell in the city.
Today the festival centers on the Desfile de Silleteros, a colorful parade of judged floral silletas, but the programme also includes live music, flower exhibitions, artisan markets and neighborhood street parties across central avenues and local barrios, with many silleteros and growers coming from nearby Santa Elena.
When It Happens#
Feria de las Flores runs in August in Medellín, typically over about a week with the busiest events concentrated on the long weekend. The Desfile de Silleteros is the festival climax and is scheduled on a Sunday; exact dates shift slightly each year so check the official programme beforehand.
How to Get to Feria de las Flores#
The nearest international gateway is Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro, from which taxis or airport shuttles reach Medellín in roughly 45 - 60 minutes depending on traffic; Olaya Herrera airport handles some domestic flights closer to the city. Expect road closures and heavy traffic during the parade - arrive at least two days early and book accommodation and any special viewing tickets well in advance.
Tips for Visiting Feria de las Flores#
- In Medellín and across Colombia, ask permission before photographing close-up portraits of silleteros and vendors; a polite approach is appreciated.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to stand for long periods if watching the parade along the route; a small folding stool can help for long waits.
- Pack sun protection and a light rain jacket - August is warm but can include short showers at this altitude.
- Carry small bills in Colombian pesos for street food and market purchases, and keep valuables secure as crowds can be dense.
- Book hotels and any organised parade-viewing spots months ahead, and prefer the Metro or official taxis for safer, faster travel on event days.