photo by Luis Perez via Flickr
As if Colombia didn’t already have enough fantastic events throughout the year, the month of August brings one of the most fun-filled weeks any traveler could hope to experience: the Feria de las Flores (Festival of the Flowers) in Medellin. This festival is the crowning event of the year and steeped in tradition. Your bespoke tour of Colombia should include a stop in the “City of Eternal Spring” for this fantastic event!
photo by Rubi Florez via Flickr
A Celebration of Pride
For 60 years, this festival has been a showcase of regional and national pride, where the people of Colombia can celebrate what is uniquely theirs: a rich cultural heritage, and a riot of beautiful, natural resources unlike anywhere else on Earth. The humble beginnings of this festival in 1957 are a stark contrast to the significant international event it has become today. It was initially held in May and called “The Flower Party,” attracting people from just the surrounding regions. It moved to August in 1958, to coincide with the celebration of Antioquia’s independence, and has been celebrated in August ever since. The festival now attracts thousands of tourists from all corners of the globe.
photo by Rubi Florez via Flickr
Desfile de Silleteros
The cornerstone event of the festival is the Desfile de Silleteros (Flower Parade). Silleteros are men, women, and children who carry elaborate flower arrangements on their backs (think condensed, portable versions of Rose Bowl Parade floats). The floral arrangements are made up of dozens of different kinds of flowers and are judged before the parade begins, with the winners proudly marching out with their heads held high. The arrangements (silletas) are exquisitely beautiful works of art and are often made with themes or to represent something meaningful. The parade itself is symbolic of past slavery when slaves were forced to carry their masters on their backs up very steep hills.
photo by Beaver on the Beats via Flickr
Activities for Everyone
The festival has grown to include free concerts featuring a variety of music, from rock to electronic to classical. There is an antique car parade (and a horse parade!) in addition to the flower parade. Medellin’s Botanical Gardens host flower exhibitions, and with Colombia’s varied ecosystems, flowers of every kind are abundant and showstopping. This botanical smorgasbord also includes an orchid competition, naturally, as Colombia has more species of orchids than any other country. There is food, of course, and no Colombian celebration would be complete without dancing. The entire festival is a party atmosphere all week long. What’s not to love?
photo by Luis Perez via Flickr
Want to make sure you don’t miss this epic event? Let us help you plan an adventure tour of Colombia that includes time for this amazing celebration. Feast, dance, and party your way through Medellin while also enjoying hikes and rock climbing adventures that will thrill you. Adventure is calling. Colombia is waiting.