Every summer, Medellín, Colombia becomes a celebration of joy, music, and vibrant florals. Féria de las Flores, or the Medellin Flower Festival, is an exciting, world-record-breaking cultural event in the heart of Colombia.
What Is The Medellín Flower Festival?
The Medellín Flower Festival, or Féria de las Flores, is one of the largest festivals in Latin America. The booming cultural event often lasts over a week, during which the people of Colombia gather to celebrate flowers, their culture, and Medellin’s unique history.
Origins of Féria de las Flores
Arturo Uribe organized the first Medellin Flower Festival in 1957. The purpose was to celebrate the nation’s flower industry, particularly highlighting the work of silleteros.
Silleteros are flower gardeners who blend both skillful artistry and deep botanical knowledge. Drawing on both long tradition and new ideas, the silleteros of Colombia have elevated the floral arts to new heights—putting Medellin on the map.
To honor them, Uribe held a parade. The silleteros adorned themselves with flowers and gathered up beautiful arrangements, then carried them through the streets of Medellin. This was so popular, it became the focal point of the entire festival.
The first Medellin Flower Fair was only five days long, and most of it centered on a floral expo in the Metropolital Cathedral. Yet, as the festival’s popularity grew, so did its length—and its purpose.
Today, Féria de las Flores is a bold, 10-day celebration of Colombian identity. While flowers are still central, it’s now an event filled with traditional dance, popular music, and dozens of parades, competitions, and expos. You don’t want to miss it!
Where & When Is The Medellin Flower Fair Celebrated?
The Medellin Flower Festival is held in multiple venues, including Jardín Botánico de Medellín, one of the largest botanical gardens in Colombia.
It’s usually held in the latter half of the Summer.
This year, it will be held from August 1st – August 10th, 2025. Tickets are expected to go on sale in April.
Event Highlights of Feria de las Flores
Concerts and performances by global artists are always big draws at the festival. In 2024, Marc Anthony was one of the headliners for the fest, performing at the “La Eterna” concert.
While 2025’s performers haven’t yet been announced, there are plenty of events we already know to look forward to. Annual highlights of Medellin’s Flower Festival include:
Desfile de Silleteros (Flower Growers Parade)
This iconic parade is the one that started it all. In modern iterations, the Desfile de Silleteros parade kicks off the whole event. It’s then followed throughout the week with other cultural parades—including a parade of bicycles, antique cars, birds, horses, and elaborate floral-decorated floats.
Trovadores Performance
Trovadores are poets in a traditional style. Their recitations and freestyle verses are a beloved cultural tradition among contemporary Colombians.
Canine Walk of the Flower Festival
Last year, the Canine Walk broke the Guinness World Record for most dogs walked at an event. This dog-friendly celebration is popular across cultures.
Medellín Concert Performances
There are usually at least four big concert events during the Medellin Flower Festival. Previous headliners include Ana Gabriel and Fonesca. Who will lead the 2025 concert series?
Colombian Floral Arrangement Competition
The silleteros have another place to shine during the festival: the arrangement competition. Each year, florists compete in diverse categories, including traditional, emblematic, commercial, and monumental silletas. Prizes are awarded for creativity, craftsmanship, and originality.
Fireworks
Just as flowers are a burst of color from the soil, the fireworks show dazzles with bursts of color in the sky. Sitting with family and watching the fireworks is a popular way to end the evening.
How To Attend Feria de las Flores In Medellin, Colombia
The parades and most outdoor events during the festival don’t require specific tickets. However, attendees need to purchase tickets ahead of time to attend certain concerts and special events.
Tickets are expected to go on sale in April. Stay tuned to arts and culture news in the city to learn when preorders go on sale.
Experience The Beauty of Medellin, Colombia With Caravan
At Caravan, we curate all-inclusive trips to beautiful destinations like Medellín, Colombia. Our expert guides hand-pick cultural events like Feria de las Flores, transportation, excellent lodging, and authentic meals—then book them all well ahead of time. The only thing guests need to do is enjoy!
If you’re interested in experiencing the vibrancy of Colombia, we invite you to our all-inclusive 10-Day Tour of Colombia. If you’d like to join in, or just want more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800.