Flower Fair
Courtesy: What You Need to Know to Enjoy the Flower Fair

Between late July and early August, the Flower Fair takes place. It is one of Medellín's most iconic cultural events and one of Colombia's most recognized fairs, both nationally and internationally. Every year, the City of Eternal Spring fills with color, tradition, music, and experiences that pay tribute to Antioquian identity and the work of the silleteros. If you are wondering what to do at the Flower Fair, you will find a diverse program with activities for all tastes, from parades and concerts to cultural and gastronomic showcases. Below, we present five must-see events to make the most of this Colombian fair and discover what you can do in Medellín.

1. Trova Festival

Trova performers
Courtesy: This Is Trova Paisa: Another Beautiful Antioquian Tradition - Medellín Turístico

If you want to discover the spirit of Antioquia, don't miss the Trova Festival, one of the most traditional events at the Flower Fair in Medellín. Here, trova performers face off in entertaining improvisation duels where, accompanied by guitars and tiples, they create clever rhymes in a matter of seconds to make the audience laugh with witty remarks, anecdotes, and comments about everyday life. More than just a show, it is an opportunity to connect with one of the region's most authentic cultural expressions and understand why this celebration is one of the most beloved cultural events in Colombia among locals and visitors alike. Get ready to be amazed by the talent, humor, and creativity that fill every performance.

2. Silleteros Parade

Silleteros Parade
Courtesy: Flower Fair: This Will Be the Route of the Silleteros Parade - Semana

If you don't know what to do in Medellín during this celebration, the Silleteros Parade is the most iconic event of the Flower Fair and one of Colombia's most recognized cultural traditions. Hundreds of silleteros from Santa Elena and other rural areas parade through the city's streets carrying impressive silletas on their backs, made with flowers that have been grown for months on their farms. These colorful creations, which can weigh up to 70 kilograms, represent landscapes, messages, characters, and symbols of Antioquian culture. Witnessing this parade means admiring the talent, dedication, and legacy of generations of flower-growing families who have turned this tradition into a symbol of the country before the world. Therefore, when checking the Flower Fair schedule, this is one of the events you should definitely include in your itinerary.

3. Flower Fair Concert

Flower Fair concert
Courtesy: Flower Fair: Stages, Fondas, Schedule and 2025 Guide – Visitar Medellín

If you enjoy live music and major shows, save a spot in your schedule for the Flower Fair Concert. This is one of the events at the Flower Fair that brings together thousands of people for a celebration filled with rhythm, energy, and excitement. Year after year, Atanasio Girardot Stadium becomes the stage for memorable performances by national and international artists who get both locals and visitors singing and dancing. This is your opportunity to experience the atmosphere that characterizes Medellín during this season, meet travelers from different places, and enjoy an event featuring some of the most popular musical hits of the moment.

4. Flower Fair Stages

Flower Fair concert with silleteros
Courtesy: The Flower Fair Kicks Off with the Excitement of the National Trova Festival and La Eterna - BluRadio

To experience the celebration like a local, visit the Flower Fair Stages. These open-air musical venues bring the celebration to different neighborhoods across the city, allowing you to discover a more authentic and intimate side of Medellín. During these gatherings, you can enjoy concerts, artistic performances, and activities. If you want to go beyond the main events and experience the city's everyday atmosphere, the stages are a must-have experience at the Flower Fair in Colombia, where music, joy, and Paisa friendliness can be felt around every corner. These are some of the things you can do in Medellín in August; however, remember that throughout the year there are different activities that allow you to experience the culture of the City of Eternal Spring up close.

5. Classic and Antique Car Parade

Classic and Antique Car Parade
Courtesy: Classic and Antique Car Parade at the 2022 Flower Fair

Traveling back in time is possible during the Classic and Antique Car Parade, one of the most admired events at the Flower Fair. Considered by many to be a museum on wheels, this parade brings together nearly 500 vehicles that stand out for their historical value, design, and state of preservation. Along Medellín's main avenues, you can see automobiles from different eras, many of which are unique and original pieces. In addition, each edition features a special theme that inspires both the presentation of the vehicles and that of their drivers, turning the parade into a spectacle full of nostalgia, elegance, and color. If you are a history or automotive culture enthusiast, or simply looking for different experiences, the classic car parade is an event you cannot miss.

These are just some of the events that make the Flower Fair an iconic celebration in Colombia. Come and visit Medellín and let yourself be captivated by the joy of its streets, the richness of its traditions, and the energy that transforms the city during these days. The City of Eternal Spring awaits you!

 

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