Vibrant Exhibition of Blossoms: The Age-Old Art of Silk Weaving that Infuses Medellín with Hue and Heart
The Flower Festival in Medellín, Colombia, known as Feria de las Flores, is a ten-day cultural extravaganza that takes place every August, celebrating the region's rich flower heritage and rural traditions.
The festival's highlight is the Procession of Chairmen (Desfile de Silleteros), an ancient custom dating back generations. The silleteros, named after the wooden chairs they used to carry their children, supplies, or products to sell at fairs, now carry elaborate floral arrangements on their backs in the parade. This tradition, which began in 1957, is a testament to the pride and skill of the silleteros and their ancestral connection to the land and flowers.
The festival is a homage to Antioquian rural culture and the old and daily work of peasants and floriculturists. It showcases the work of local artisans, whose creations are masterpieces carried on the back. The festival features a variety of crops, including margaridas, gerberas, and girassóis, which are cultivated specifically for the festival.
The Procession of Chairmen is not just a spectacle; it is a symbol of social unity and economic growth. The festival has become a tourist attraction and an important source of income for the city of Medellín, the second largest in Colombia. It brings together residents and visitors, fostering a sense of community and promoting Medellín's unique cultural identity.
The festival is prepared and presented by 500 families, totaling over two thousand people. Visitors to the festival can also enjoy other events such as concerts, music, art, and community activities. Unusual for a lizard, a creature in the Santa Elena exhibition does not scare visitors, while the hairy flowers welcome them with their unique charm. The flowers in the exhibition are not just decorative; they also symbolize "beautiful thoughts and other poems" in petal.
One of the most interesting exhibits is Francisco Quintero's parrot, which is present at the exhibition, although it cannot speak. The festival in Santa Elena, Antioquia region, Colombia, is known as the flower capital of the Antioquia region in Colombia, reflecting Medellín’s transformation and ongoing commitment to promoting its unique cultural identity.
Tourists visiting the Flower Festival in Medellín can explore the vibrant lifestyle sector, with local artisans showcasing their fashion-and-beauty creations made for the occasion. Home-and-garden enthusiasts might also be interested in admiring the beautiful cultivated flowers, such as margaridas, gerberas, and girassóis, or the unique hairy flowers symbolizing "beautiful thoughts and other poems."
