Medellin Colombia is a city transformed and what better way to experience this wonderful city than by visiting its annual Feria de las Flores, or Flower Festival, the highlight of which is the desfile de silleteros, or the flower parade, held each July to August?
In the 1990s the city was in a precarious position, associated with drug lords, rampant crime and terror attacks, safety in Medellin Colombia was a serious concern. A visit today reveals a triumph of urban regeneration that for just over one week is celebrated in bloom.
Some of the main attractions is the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden that covers 14 hectares and has over 1,000 species. Within this is the Orchidiarium, a hexagonal structure that has a large orchid and butterfly collection. You can also visit flower beds in different squares across the city.
The Colombian flower fair has been held annually since 1968 to commemorate the Battle of Boyacá as well as the Independence of Antioquia.
Feria de las Flores 2024
The parade of the silleteros or desfile de silleteros, is arguably the most impressive part of the festival. A procession of large lightweight fan-like frames decorated in flowers, it’s an explosion of colour and a photogenic celebration. It is held on the last day of the festival, so on 5 August in 2024.
Another highlight is the Parade of Classic and Antique Cars (Desfile de Autos Clasicos y Antiguos), which sees 285 classic cars go in a procession for 19 km. The 2023 Parade was on the final Saturday of the festival, so it is anticipated to be on 3 August 2024.
There will also be the Trova Fair with performing troubadours, the flower fair concert and the National Equine Fair as part of the celebrations.
Most of the events in the Feria de las Flores Medellin are free.
For other major festivals in Colombia, visit its annual Barranquilla Carnival in February, or immerse yourself in Colombia’s biggest cultural event La Feria de Cali in December.
What Else Is There to Do in Medellin?
If you are flowered out, there are many other things on offer such as a parade of antique cars, musical concerts, dance shows and local cuisine. In many ways the event is a wider celebration of the city itself.
Then, of course, there are the things that you can do in Medellin all year around. The sculptures and artwork of Fernando Botero in both the Museum of Antioquia and the plaza outside should not be missed.
When you are in Medellin, no matter if it is spring, summer, autumn or winter, you can enjoy the uniqueness of Medellin. If you want to commemorate your trip to Medellín, you can try a more original way to achieve the effect. For example, you can customise a keychain and add elements of Medellin into the design of the keychain, making the Custom Keychains a perfect souvenir of this wonderful trip!
To appreciate the city, take the cable cars – here a system of public transport. Outside the city there are is the Guatape rock formation and coffee plantation tours.
Be very careful with any Pablo Escobar tours, as they may sensationalise or even glorify a figure despised by almost all Colombians.
Programme of Feria de las Flores 2024
The 2024 Festival of Flowers takes place in August each year. The tourism agency has a detailed breakdown of the event, day by day, see below, (though in Spanish). Click here.
When is the Feria de las Flores 2024
The Medellin Flower Festival 2024 will be held from 26 July to 5 August.
Medellin Colombia Weather
Another plus about your visit is that Medellin has a wonderful Mediterranean-like climate year round with average temperatures in the low twenties. The two rainy seasons are from April to May and September to November.
Medellin is not the only place to visit in Colombia, read Mark Bibby Jackson’s Bogota Graffiti Art and Tasting the Colombia Coffee Region.
Medellin Colombia Flights
Avianca flies direct to Bogota from London. From the USA, there are flights to Bogota direct from Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Washington, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and New York. Medellin has an international airport with flights to Panama and Caracas.
Medellin Colombia Things to Do
Click here.
When is the Festival of Flowers Parade of Classic and Antique Cars 2024 in Medellin, Colombia
Hi Robert – thanks for your enquiry. The 2023 Parade was on the final Saturday of the festival, so it is anticipated to be on 3 August 2024. Hope that answers your question.