The 2010 Flower Festival is being touted as Medellin’s biggest and best yet. Here you can find a breakdown of this year’s event and a blooming good description of all the highlights, including times and locations.
“Zona que suena” – Children’s play area (July 31 to August 1; 6PM to 12AM) Paseo Urbano Carabobo Norte. Free entrance. This is a place for the whole family where you can find clowns, mimes, acrobats, puppet shows, magic shows, arts’ workshops and a playground.
Medellin’s 6th Trova Festival (July 30, July 31, August 6; 6PM to 12AM) Plaza Gardel and Parque de los Deseos. Free entrance. A celebration of traditional “trova” music, a style deeply rooted in the Antioquian “paisa” culture and characterised by its unique rhythm and improvisated lyrics.
Fireworks (July 30 and August 8; 9PM) Centro Administrativo La Alpujarra. Free entrance.
Horse Parade (July 31; 1PM) Major city streets, starting at Avenida Regional near the Carrefour de las Vegas. Over 6000 horses will take part in this impressive parade as a way of honoring the past and representing the co-existance of different lifestyles in Antioquia.
Children’s “Silleteros” Parade (July 31; 10AM) Barrio La Floresta, leaving from Carrera 82. “Silleteros” are artisans who carry elaborate flower arrangements known as “silletas” on their backs as they parade through the streets. This year, the festival will be opened by the children’s “Silleteros” Parade.
“Arrieros, Mulas y Fondas” – Muleteers, Mules and Inns (July 29 to August 1; 10AM to 12.30PM) Parque Juan Pablo II. An exhibition of houses from rural Colombian villages showcasing the best of traditional Antioquian culture.
“Parque Cultural Nocturno” – Afterdark Culture in the Park (August 1 to August 7; 6PM to 12AM) Parque de los pies descalzos. Six nights of musical performances, including classical, jazz, dance, bolero and contemporary music shows.
Dog and Pet Walk (August 1; 9AM to 4PM) Major city streets, starting at Puente Barranquilla (Puente Cisneros) sentido norte-sur. An opportunity to show off your pet with other proud animal owners.
Festival of Remembrance and Popular Song(August 1; 6PM to 9PM) Teatro al aire libre Carlos Vieco – Cerro Nutibara. Performances from seven different pop bands.
“Silletero” Cultural Week (July 31 to August 8; All day) Santa Elena. This is rural suburb in Medellin’s outskirts is famous the world over for its flowers. Here you can see how they make the elaborate flower arrangements known as “silletas,” which are then carried by Santa Elena residents during the parade at the end of the week.
Humor City (August 4 and August 5; 6PM to 12AM) Parque de los Deseos. An area dedicated entirely to comedy including a new night circus for children.
Orchids, Birds and Flowers (August 4 and August 5; 8AM to 8PM) Jardín Botánico Joaquín Antonio Uribe. A place for nature fans to come and see Colombia’s flora and fauna.
“Silleteros” Parade (August 8; 2.30PM) Route: Avenida de El Río Puente de Guayaquil – E.P.M. – San Juan – Avenida Ferrocarril – Palacio de exposiciones. 500 “silleteros” will pass through the city carrying elaborate flower arrangements known as “silletas” on their backs.
Exhibition of the “silleta” finalists (August 8 to August 12; All day) Plaza Descubierta Plaza Mayor y Terminal del Sur. An exhibition of 60 of the best “silletas” from the parade on August 8.
Classic Car Parade (August 7; 10.30AM to 2PM) Major city streets, leaving from El Colombiano at the Exito roundabout in Envigado.
“Chivas” Truck Parade (August 1; 9AM to 9PM) Major city streets, leaving from Cerro Nutibara-Pueblito Paisa, calle 30a. “Chivas” are brightly painted bus-like trucks traditionally used in rural areas. Be prepared for lots of car horn booping.
“Sonido sobre Ruedas” – Sound on Wheels (August 6 to August 8; 11AM to 11PM) Aeroparque Juan Pablo II. Three music festivals dedicated to rock n roll, electronica and urban music as well as street-car racing. For extreme sports fans there will be freestyle bmx-ing and motocycle stunt track. Too fast, too furious.
The Best of Humor (July 29 to July 31, 8PM) Teatro Universidad de Medellin. Comedy performances from Colombia’s finest comedians.
For more information, click here for the complete program in Spanish.