What is the Medellin Feria de las Flores?
The Feria de las Flores 2025, held in Medellin, is one of Colombia’s largest and most vibrant festivals, celebrating the nation’s rich flower-growing heritage.
Over ten days, this festival offers a dazzling blend of parades, music, culture, gastronomy, art, artisan crafts, and of course, plenty of lively festivities.
This year the Feria de las Flores 2025 is scheduled for 1 to 10 August 2025. The desfile de Silleteros is on the 10th August 2025.
History Of The Feria De Las Flores
After the Netherlands, Colombia stands as the second-largest flower exporter in the world, with annual exports valued at around $1.4 billion. Of this, 75% is shipped to the United States. Most of Colombia’s flowers are cultivated in the Antioquia region, with Medellín serving as its capital. The heart of the country’s flower-growing culture is the charming town of Santa Elena, just a 40-minute drive from Medellín.
The Feria de las Flores, established in 1957 to celebrate Colombia’s flower-growing achievements, has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the nation’s premier festivals. Today, it attracts over 30,000 attendees from across Colombia and beyond, with about 60% coming from within the country and the remaining 40% traveling from abroad. Despite its growing popularity, the festival retains a distinctly local charm.
The festival’s centerpiece is the Desfile de Silleteros, traditionally held on the final day. Additional highlights include a classic car parade, performances by popular artists, culturally themed musical nights, and a selection of international guests. Throughout the city, a variety of events complement the festival, featuring flower displays, artisan bazaars, cultural exhibitions, art shows, themed club nights, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy good music and lively festivities.
Who are the Silleteros of the Medellin Flower Festival 2025?
To grasp the significance of the Feria de las Flores, it’s essential to understand what a silletero is, as the Desfile de Silleteros (Silleteros Parade) represents the festival’s crowning event and epitomizes the most historic and cultural symbol of Antioquia.
Today, the term silletero refers to the flower farmers who, during the festival, create intricate flower displays and parade them through the streets. These artisans are recognized as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation” underscoring their role as a vital cultural symbol deserving preservation for future generations.
The name silletero derives from the Spanish word silla, meaning chair. The tradition of the silletero dates back to the early 20th century when a type of seat called a silleta (“small chair”) was carried on the backs of farmers (historically, it is believed that this practice began with slaves and indigenous people) to transport people through challenging terrains. Over time, the silleta was adapted to carry goods from farms to markets.
In Santa Elena, the Silleteros historically used silletas to transport fruits, vegetables, and, of course, flowers on a challenging journey down to the valley of Medellín, ultimately reaching the Placita de Flores (Flower Market). Established in 1891, this market remains open today and is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience a traditional local market.
During the Feria de las Flores, the Silleteros adorn their silletas with intricate displays of the flowers they cultivate on their farms. Over time, these floral creations have become increasingly elaborate and extravagant. The competition among Silleteros is intense, with each artisan vying for the title of best silletero at the festival’s final parade.