The flower festival Feria De Las Flores is one of the most eagerly awaited and important social events of the year in Colombia.
Photo by David Orchard
The festival takes place in Medellin, the second largest city in the country, which is transformed into an exposition of bright flowers and flower sculptures in the month of August. This parade is recognised as a cultural heritage of Colombia.
History of Festival of the Flowers
The first flower festival was held on May 1st 1957 and lasted five days. It was Arturo Uribe, a member of the tourist bureau for Medellin who had the idea that the city of Medellin should host a tribute to the thriving Colombian flower industry.
The flowers were displayed in the Metropolitan Cathedral to celebrate the Virgin Mary day. The parade of the flowers represents the end to slavery, when slaves carried men and women up steep hills on their backs.
Activities and entertainment included dancing stalls and various parades – the silleteros parade is when the flower vendors carry the extravagant flower arrangments through the Medellin’s streets. Silleteros are the farmers who make the flower arrangements on a ‘silleta’ – the contraption for carrying the flowers on a person’s back.
Each year, men, women and children proudly carry the flowers of their history, land and culture on their backs.
The Festival of the Flowers
This festival of flowers lasts ten days and offers visitors over 140 cultural, traditional, and modern events: a horse fair, a trail ride through town on horses, orchid competitions, orchestra festival, the National Trova Festival (singers duels improvised verses), an antiques cars parade, popular/folk music concerts, activities for children, a dog walk and the festival of remembrance.
The city truly comes alive as it displays its heritage in the brilliant coloured flowers that grow in the countryside. During the week is a fireworks show that begins and ends the festival. There are many options for tourists and international travellers.
Interesting facts about Festival of the Flowers
- A silleta can weigh up to 70kg
- There are more than 25 types of flowers used to make the silleta
- Main flowers used are lilies, sunflowers, carnations, agapanthuses, pinocchios, chrysanthemums and roses
- The original event also included musical celebrations, dancing as well as beauty pageants, custom carriages and horses
What does Feria de las Flores represent?
When did Tower Bridge open for the first time?
Tower Bridge in London, England opened for the first time on June 30, 1894.
Who designed Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge was designed by Sir Horace Jones, a British architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe-Barry, a civil engineer.
What is the history of tower bridge?
Tower Bridge is a iconic landmark in London, England and has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The bridge was designed to provide a crossing over the River Thames and alleviate traffic congestion in the area. The construction of the bridge began in 1886 and was completed in 1894.
The design of the bridge, which features two towers and a bascule (a type of drawbridge) that could be raised to allow large ships to pass, was a marvel of Victorian engineering. The bridge has been an important part of London’s history and has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to keep it functional and aesthetically pleasing.
During World War II, Tower Bridge played a significant role in the defense of London and was a target of German bombing. However, it withstood the attacks and remained operational throughout the war.
Today, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. It continues to serve as a busy road and pedestrian crossing over the River Thames and remains an important symbol of the city’s history and cultural heritage.
How many times does tower bridge open a day?
The number of times Tower Bridge opens in a day can vary depending on the amount of river traffic. On average, the bridge may open around 800-1000 times per year, although this number can fluctuate depending on the time of year and the level of river traffic. The bridge is typically opened during the day to allow ships to pass through, although it can also be opened during nighttime hours if necessary.
It’s worth noting that the opening of Tower Bridge is not a regular occurrence and only happens when necessary to allow larger ships to pass. The bridge can also be opened for special events or for maintenance purposes. If you’re interested in witnessing the bridge open, you can check the Tower Bridge website for a schedule of planned liftings, or contact the bridge operator for more information.
What is the history of the London eye?
The London Eye, also known as the Coca-Cola London Eye, is a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, England. It was opened in 2000 as part of the celebrations for the new millennium, and has since become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The London Eye was designed by architects Julia Barfield, David Marks and John Barfield of the firm Marks Barfield, in collaboration with engineer Steve Chilton. It was originally intended to be a temporary structure, but its popularity led to it becoming a permanent fixture on the London skyline.
The London Eye stands 135 meters (443 feet) tall and offers panoramic views of the city from its 32 air-conditioned capsules. Each capsule can hold up to 25 people, and a complete rotation of the wheel takes approximately 30 minutes.
Since its opening, the London Eye has become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. It has also been the subject of several renovations and upgrades over the years to keep it up-to-date and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
In addition to its status as a popular tourist attraction, the London Eye has become a symbol of modern London and an iconic part of the city’s cultural heritage.
What does Feria de las Flores represent?
Feria de las Flores, which translates to “Festival of Flowers,” is an annual event that takes place in the Colombian city of Medellín. It is a celebration of the city’s rich cultural heritage, and it showcases the beauty and diversity of Colombia’s flowers and plants.
The Feria de las Flores is a week-long festival that typically takes place in late July or early August and features a variety of events and activities, including parades, music concerts, beauty pageants, flower shows, and cultural exhibitions. One of the most famous events of the festival is the Desfile de Silleteros, a parade of flower-covered floats known as “silleteros.” The parade is a tribute to the local tradition of using flower-covered “sillas” or saddles to transport flowers and plants from the surrounding countryside to the city.
The Feria de las Flores is a celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage and is a showcase for the local flower-growing industry. It is an important cultural event for the people of Medellín and attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition to being a celebration of flowers and plants, the festival is also an opportunity for the city to showcase its cultural, artistic, and musical heritage.
How many flowers are used in Feria de las Flores?
The exact number of flowers used during the Feria de las Flores in Medellín, Colombia can vary from year to year and depends on the specific events and activities taking place during the festival. However, it is safe to say that hundreds of thousands of flowers and plants are used to decorate the city during the festival.
The main focus of the festival is the Desfile de Silleteros, the parade of flower-covered floats known as “silleteros,” which showcases the beauty and diversity of Colombia’s flowers and plants. In addition to the parade, there are also flower shows, exhibitions, and other events that make use of a large number of flowers.
The Feria de las Flores is a celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage, and the use of flowers and plants is an important part of the festival’s traditions and cultural heritage. The festival is an opportunity for local flower growers to showcase their work and for the city of Medellín to celebrate its rich cultural heritage and its connection to the natural beauty of Colombia’s countryside.
Where to stay in Medellin
Colombia tourism has much to offer travellers, and if you are there for the festival you will at least want to stay for the food too. There are many places to stay (for any budget) including the Grand Hotel located in downtown Medellin, the Diez Hotel close to the financial hub or Hotel Cabo de la Vela.
If you want to be close to the centre of Medellin near the parks, buildings and museums you might want to stay at the Hotel Botero Plaza.
