Feria de las Flores

Colombia is the number two supplier of flowers in the world (just behind the Netherlands) and Medellin is the agricultural center of that industry. In old times farmers carried their flowers on silleteros (little chairs) down to Medellin for display and sell. Since the 60ies there is a growing festival celebrating the impact of flowers in this town. (It also attracts a lot of wealthy tourists). The climax of the festival is the parade of Silleteros. Some of them are very heavy and huge. They mainly display themes from their place of origin, but it can also be political (or just advertisement). The Feria de Las Flores is the most important festival of the year and you encounter it everywhere in the city. It is probably the best time to be here in Medellin.

Lucky me, I had no Idea about it :D

in moving pictures, I think I heard that song about a million times last week (everywhere in the streets or song at the parades)

preparations

the parade

Military and Police

the wagons reminded me a lot of carnival at home

After the parade I went to the Fondas de mi Tierra. It is something like a big market where every participation town nearby Medellin has a tent / booth to represent its food and culture. There are also some more events going on there, that I didn´t quite get.

They serve here amazing food. You should not be a vegetarian though

The Medellin national dish: Bandeja de Paisas

I was not that hungry so I went for the stuffed pig instead (looks a bit weird though)

the beer price: (3000$ = 1EUR)

Everywhere you hear salsa and people dance

ah, found something vegetarian:

On my way back I could enjoy a nice view on Medellin at night. They city is surrounded my by high mountains. It looks amazing.

 

PS:

I went for a beer back to the Parque de la Periodista (Downtown). Sitting next to one of the Silleteros, I noticed that the people around scratched the material from the shield (and put it into cigarettes). “Festivals of Flowers!” Quite a liberal interpretation and a truly social gesture to leave it here in the park :D