Every once a year, in August, the streets in the Colombian city of Medellín are decked in a floral mayhem that attracts tourists both domestic and from overseas. Discover the artistic soul of this city that expresses itself in postcard frames of floral hues.

Since it began as a humble celebration of flowers in 1957, the Feria de las Flores has grown into one of the biggest, if not the biggest tourist attractions that gathers over 2 million tourists each year, from around the country and worldwide now. During the festival, held in August, streets around the Colombian city Medellín are known to transform into an uncharacteristically visual treat of high-octane floral splendour, as its terraces, gardens and balconies are awash with vibrant and rare flowers.

The Feria de las Flores, also known as the Medellín Flower Festival, carries on this tradition from the flower growing small town of Santa Elena. 

The origins

Behind the Feria de las Flores or the colossal floral party’s origin is a story dating back to the late 19th century, where it begins with a group of flower growers and enthusiasts who formed a social club called Los Cincuenta or ‘The Fifty’. Orchids, roses and other colourful varieties were bountiful as local produce in the city, crowning Medellín with the title of the ‘City of Eternal Spring.’ It was with an aim of promoting these that Los Cincuenta hosted the first small scale event of Feria de las Flores on May 1, 1957. A visit today reveals an urban regeneration success.

For whatever the festival emanates, there shines forth not only the intricate floral arrangements, but also the culture and identity of Medellín that is embodied within. The inaugural Feria de las Flores, or Flower Fair, was inspired by this strong feeling. The city’s tourism agency first invited 40 flower farmers from Santa Elena to display their produce in an elaborate parade back in 1957. And, as it garnered immense positive feedback from both locals and tourists, over the years the festival evolved and expanded to incorporate a spectrum of activities and events just as vibrant and colourful.

What to expect

An explosion of colours in postcard frames characterise the flower-growers’ parade or desfile de silleteros, held on the first day of the flower carnival. It is one of the main highlights of the carnival, in which skilled farmers, or silleteros, parade through the streets with magnificent flower arrangements strapped on their backs. This parade also commemorates the abolition of slavery, when slaves rode up steep hillsides carrying men and women instead of flowers. These silleteros traditionally used wooden sleds called silletas to carry supplies and people through the region’s mountainous terrain. As a means to showcase the region’s aesthetic and cultural legacy, the silletas are now covered with elaborate floral patterns during the parade.

The Joaqun Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden in the city also invites numerous tourists and flower enthusiasts to the Feria de las Flores. Professional florists display their finest flowers at the exhibition, particularly orchids, which are Colombia’s national flower. Colombia cultivates over 4,000 species of orchid, out of which 1,543 are endemic. Visitors can also discover an assortment of bird species. 

The Feria de las Flores also holds a classic car parade, awaited by both domestic and international visitors. Apart from flowers, the festival celebrates antique cars with this classic car parade. Vintage cars are showcased during this event, offering a glimpse into the automotive history of the region. With roughly 200 models on display, this moving museum travels 17 kilometres into the city.

Another essential highlight of Feria de las Flores is the Chivas carnival. Chivas are traditional Colombian open-sided buses, built on a truck chassis, that are an emblematic means of transport in the country’s mountainous terrain. About 80 chivas packed to bursting with people and flower decorations indulge in a fierce competition through the city’s streets to determine which chiva has the best decoration as well as mechanical function.

Music, too, tops the list of priorities for this Colombian carnival. Visitors can experience a host of concerts, cultural events, and sporting activities throughout the week that features live music performances of local as well as international artists. The music ranges from traditional Colombian tunes to contemporary genres.

Feria de las Flores forms an excellent opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Medellín and the nation of Colombia itself. With traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and theatre shows that highlight the local culture and traditions, as well as grand firework displays and gastronomic assortment, this flower carnival surely gives an unparalleled outlook into the Colombian legacy.