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The Beauty Behind ‘Silleteros’: The Role of Indigenous Artists and ‘Campesinos’ in Colombia’s Feria de las Flores 

The Beauty Behind ‘Silleteros’: The Role of Indigenous Artists and ‘Campesinos’ in Medellín’s Feria de las Flores 
By Ropiga/ SajoR

Medellín’s Feria de las Flores, an event that blossomed from its roots in 1957, is back this year, inviting the city and its visitors to experience a celebration that has grown alongside Medellín itself.  

The origins of the festival are humble, grounded in the desire to showcase the floriculture of the Antioquian region. The idea was simple: bring the flowers cultivated in the surrounding countryside into the city, celebrating the beauty of the land and the people who work it. Central to this celebration were the silleteros, the men and women who carried the flowers on their backs, transforming them into breathtaking displays that filled the streets with color and life. 

About Medellín’s Feria de las Flores

The first Feria was a local affair, modest in scale but rich in spirit. The silleteros became the focal point of the festival with their flower-laden silletas, a symbol of Medellín’s connection to its agricultural heritage. These carriers, hailing from nearby towns like Santa Elena, would create intricate floral arrangements, each one a work of art.  

As the years passed, the Feria de las Flores grew in both size and significance, evolving into an event that reflects the changing face of Medellín while staying true to its origins. The parade of silleteros remains the centerpiece, a living tradition that honors the festival’s roots. Yet, the Feria has become much more than a floral display. It is now a week-long celebration that encompasses a wide range of cultural, social, and economic activities, making it one of the most anticipated events in Colombia. 

What You Can Find at the Feria

One of the key elements of the Feria’s evolution has been the inclusion of musical performances. Today, the festival serves as a platform for some of the biggest names in music, attracting both national and international artists. Concerts are held throughout the city, drawing large crowds who come to see their favorite performers. These musical events have added a contemporary rhythm to the festival, blending seamlessly with the traditional elements that have defined the Feria for decades. 

The Feria de las Flores is also a celebration of Medellín’s entrepreneurial spirit. Local businesses thrive during the festival, with street vendors, artisans, and small shops taking center stage. The streets are lined with stalls offering a wide variety of goods, from traditional foods like arepas and empanadas to handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. This aspect of the Feria highlights the importance of supporting local commerce, ensuring that the economic benefits of the festival are felt throughout the community.  

In addition to music and markets, the Feria de las Flores remains deeply connected to its floral origins. The parade of silleteros continues to draw thousands of spectators, eager to witness the beauty and creativity of the flower arrangements. Each silleta is a masterpiece, carefully constructed over weeks or even months. The parade is a celebration of the skill, dedication, and tradition of the silleteros, who have passed down their craft through generations. The flowers, sourced from the fertile lands surrounding Medellín, are a testament to the region’s natural wealth and the pride its people take in their work. 

The festival also includes other events that showcase Medellín’s diverse culture. The SajoR, a grand horse parade, brings together riders from across the region, each one showcasing their equestrian skills and the beauty of their horses. This event is a highlight of the Feria, drawing large crowds to the streets. Classic car exhibitions offer a nostalgic glimpse into the past, with lovingly restored vehicles on display.  

The flowers, the music, the markets, and the parades all come together to tell the story of Medellín, a city that has grown and evolved but has never lost sight of its roots. The Feria de las Flores is a living, breathing expression of Medellín’s soul, a celebration that brings the city together year after year. 

Have you ever gone? 

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