As always, the Flower Festival is one of the biggest events in the city, and as expected, this year’s festival will feature hundreds of activities and over 3000 artists on stage. In this blog, we’ll share the highlights of the major events and activities of the 2025 Flower Festival. But first, if you want to know how this festival started, here’s a little historical background that you might find interesting.
How Did the Flower Festival Tradition Begin?
In the majestic mountains of Antioquia, during the 11th century, it was very common to see farmers carrying flowers on their backs. These were usually flowers from their own crops or ones they had helped cultivate. This local and rudimentary way of carrying the cultivated flowers was called “silletas”. Today, this name is used for one of the festival’s main activities: The Silleteros Parade.
This way of carrying crops on the back wasn’t exclusive to farmers. Indigenous people and Spanish settlers also used silletas to carry food, merchandise, and many women even carried their babies. That’s where the proud name “silleteros” comes from.
When Was the First Edition of the Flower Festival Held?
The first official edition of the Medellin Flower Festival was held on May 1, 1957. It lasted 5 days and featured a flower exhibition by farmers from Santa Elena at the Metropolitan Cathedral, with more than 30 silleteros in its first parade. The first silletas were simple and made with regional flowers, but over the years, they have grown in innovation. Today, the silletas are considered works of art that reflect the Paisa culture.
Main Activities of the 2025 Flower Festival
Trova Festival
The Trova Festival is an emblematic event of the Flower Festival. Here, the best trovadores (improvisational poets) in the country compete in rhyme and verse battles, filled with humor and Paisa wisdom. This event is a great showcase of creativity and Trova culture.
This year, trovadores who have made history at the festival will be performing. Among them are El Palomo de las Coplas, known for his ability to come up with ideas on the spot and express them in 4 verses, Mateo Gimenez, also known as “Dinamita”, famous for his explosive wit and good humor, and Frank de Jesús Bolívar, a trovador with more than 160 recognitions, who makes trova an art form to be enjoyed. You’ll be able to enjoy these and many more trovadores at the tablados and other events of the 2025 Flower Festival.
International Horse Show
This event is held annually on the outskirts of the city. Here you can see the best horses in the country, showcasing equestrian spectacles from Paso Fino to trotting. The best horse riders gather at this event to exhibit horses like “Mixtura de la Betulia” and “Terremoto”.
Antique Car Parade
Admirers and connoisseurs of vintage and classic cars can enjoy the parade held every year. From models of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s, the parade covers a minimum of 15 km and showcases more than 200 vintage cars, taking attendees on a unique historical journey.
Bike Festival
An event for bicycle enthusiasts that brings together more than 3,000 people. They all take to the streets of the city on their bikes, some decorated with flowers, others accompanied by their pets, and some even participate in the contests organized for them.
Birds and Flowers Show
This event gathers thousands of people, bird and flower enthusiasts, at the Botanical Garden of Medellin. It’s a space to enjoy the variety of orchids, birds, and flowers, and a family-friendly event to appreciate the biodiversity of Colombian fauna and flora.
Canine Walk
The Canine Walk of the Flower Festival turns 26 in 2025. In this event, you can enjoy a recreational walk with your pets, exploring certain areas of the city with your family in a day full of surprises to share with your furry friends. This event has set a Guinness World Record, with 400,000 attendees and their pets, and includes veterinary points for peace of mind.
Chiva Parade
The Chiva Parade is a traditional event featuring 60 vehicles competing for the best chiva prize. The event also includes folk groups, decorated floats, and musical performances.
Night Cultural Park
The Night Cultural Park is one of the most popular events among tourists and locals. For five nights, concerts are held, each night featuring a different musical genre that brings together local and international artists. At the Night Cultural Park, you can enjoy salsa, Afro music, boleros, tangos, and rock.
Sancocho Festival
For 37 years, hundreds of people have gathered to enjoy the popular Sancocho Festival, held in the village of Santa Elena. This event features different types of sancocho, including the Pacific version, with live musical performances.
Tablados
One of the most beloved attractions of the 2025 Flower Festival for tourists and locals are the tablados. These events are held in different areas and neighborhoods of the city, offering massive and free events with musical artists from all over the country. Tablados are celebrated in areas such as the Obelisk, San Antonio de Prado, Santa Elena, Aranjuez, Miraflores, Juan Pablo II, Parques del Rio, San Cristobal, and other neighborhoods of Medellin.
Fondas de mi Tierra
This event has a history of over 15 years, showcasing the culture, tradition, and history of Antioquian towns, with a wide variety of typical Antioquian dishes and drinks. Here you can enjoy live music, tradition, and an atmosphere that evokes Antioquian traditions.
Music Concerts
So far, two official concerts have been confirmed for the 2025 Flower Festival, featuring artists like Marc Anthony, Ana Gabriel, Nicky Jam, Fonseca, Elder Dayán Diaz, Proyecto Uno, and Nath. The Mexican group Fuerza Regida has also been confirmed. The festival also includes the super concert, featuring artists like Poncho Zuleta, Silvestre Dangond, and Carlos Vives.
Sound on Wheels
An event that brings together car enthusiasts and experts to learn about new technologies and vehicle modifications. Thousands of people gather here to enjoy transformed vehicles, commonly known as “engallados”.
Other events during the Flower Festival 2025
– Oro de la Trova Festival, at the central market
– Montañero de la Parranda Festival in Sabaneta
– Gastronomic Festival in El Poblado and other areas of the city
Experience the Flower Festival 2025 with Medellin VIP!
As you can see, the Medellin Flower Festival 2025 is a festival with hundreds of activities, concerts, and events to enjoy the best of Medellin. If you want to know the full schedule, subscribe to our email list to get all the details. Remember that at Medellin VIP, you can count on a concierge partner to make your trips a unique experience. Contact us to book transportation, vacation houses, and more!
