Feria de las Flores 2026
What is the Medellin Feria de las Flores?
The Feria de las Flores 2026, 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.
Of course you can't visit the festival without taking a tour to visit a flower farm at Santa Elena to meet the Silleteros.
When is the Feria de las Flores 2026?
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 (more on this in the next section). 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 2026?
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.
You can see first hand how the silleteros are made on a half-day tour to a flower farm in Santa Elena.
At the Feria de las Flores, keep an eye out for five main types of silletas:
Types of Silletero
Traditional Silletas: These closely resemble the ones used by farmers in the early 20th century. A simple box made of light wood displays at least 15 varieties of fresh flowers (not artificial, dyed, or painted).
Emblematic Silletas: Dried flowers are arranged to illustrate a message related to a religious, civil, environmental, or educational topic.
Monumental Silletas: An evolution of the traditional Silleta, these are the largest and most colorful. They feature at least 20 varieties of fresh flowers, can weigh up to 100 kg, and may exceed 4 meters in diameter.
Institutional or Corporate Silletas: Sponsored by large corporations and brands, these silletas are seen in the parade but are not part of the awards process. During the feria, they are proudly displayed in shopping malls, offices, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas like Provenza. This is the only type of silleta that permits the use of dyed flowers to achieve specific designs.
Artistic Silletas: These are based on the creativity and imagination of the Silleteros, often taking on 3D forms. There are certain limitations on the materials that can be used.
The best way to see the silletas is at the Desfile de Silleteros, the final event of the Feria de las Flores. During this parade, over 500 Silleteros of all ages walk the 2.4-kilometer route with their silletas on their backs.
If you can’t attend the parade, it will be televised on local TV stations and likely streamed on the Facebook page of the Alcaldía de Medellín (Mayor's Office) and Telemedellín. Throughout the festival, you’ll see silletas at many locations, and after the final parade, they will be on public display +at Plaza Mayor for a few days.
Everything you need to know about the Feria de Las Flores 2026
Medellin will be partying again during the 68th annual Feria de las Flores 2026 (Flower Festival) which takes place from 31st July to 9th August 2026.
Organized by the Mayor’s office this year’s festival will feature more than 110 public activities, in 30+ locations in which 3,000 local, national and international artists will perform. There will be cultural and artistic programming from all over Colombia as well as invited artists from outside of Colombia.
In addition to the official Medellin Flower Festival 2026 events there are also 100+ private events including concerts, festivals, cultural events at shopping malls, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
There are literally hundreds of events happening around the city, so even if you’re not attending the parade or other official events, you’re bound to bump into some sort of activity related to the festival.
It should be remembered most of the main events will be broadcast by the public television channel Telemedellín including the Silleteros Parade, Classic Car Parade, the Final of the Trova Festival and most of the public musical concerts. If you don’t like crowds, or it’s raining heavy on the day, you can turn on Telemedellin or facebook and see what’s happening at the feria without leaving the sofa.
Recommendations:
Some of the events have a capacity of up 50,000 people so we recommend taking public transport, especially the Metro, where possible. Be aware that there are pickpockets, so take the necessary precautions with your personal possessions.
Traffic in Medellin will be affected by the feria due to road closures and the number of tourists in town so it may take longer than usual to get taxis, Uber etc. Hotel occupation is at maximum capacity during the feria so book early.
Visiting a flower farm in Santa Elena is a must-do however it's hard to go there independently due to poor transportation and road closures. A Silletero farm tour is the best way to see a flower farm, plus it's a lot of fun going with a group of locals.
Official Program of the Feria de las Flores
Everthing you must see and do at the Feria de las Flores 2026
Parades & Main Events
Concerts & Live Music
Shopping Malls
Cultural Events
Santa Elena
Feria de las Flores Tours 2026
A visit to Medellin during the Feria de las Flores 2026 would not be complete with a visit to Santa Elena, the home of the silleteros.
Nothing is more traditional during this period than a visit to a traditional flower farm where you can see the flower farmers (silleteros) preparing their silletas ready for the festival.
The easiest and most comfortable way to enjoy a visit a flower farm during this period is via a Santa Elena tour that typically includes:
- Transport to Santa Elena
- Guided tour of a flower farm
- Explanation of the Silletero culture
- Meet the Silleteros and understand the process to make the Silletas
- Traditional lunch
- Refreshment
Getting to Santa Elena and knowing where to go is kind of complicated. Take the stress out of your visit and join a Feria de las Flores Tour. Book today and enjoy this uniquely Paisa experience!
More Information
To ensure you kept up to date with the latest information about the Feria please consult the following links.
- FERIA DE LAS FLORES TOURS
- FACEBOOK GROUP - THINGS TO DO IN MEDELLIN
- FACEBOOK - ALCALDIA DE MEDELLIN
- OFFICIAL WEBSITE - FERIA DE LAS FLORES
- FACEBOOK - TELEMEDELLIN
- NEWSPAPER - EL COLOMBIANO
All fotos in this article used for non commercial promotional purposes.