Origin of the saddles
In colonial times, the means of transport faced great difficulties when traveling through the various terrains, but at the same time they were so varied, creative and particular that in these times of modernity they never cease to amaze us.
As stated by Vivir en el Poblado, the saddles were born from the difficulties to access territories where not even the mules could do it, so the slaves carried on their backs a saddle on which characters of the time, merchandise, food or cargo in general, they were transported from one place to another.
The peasant from Antioquia continued with the tradition of using the saddle to transport food and coal to the market squares or from the square to the high slopes of the city of Medellín, especially in the township of Santa Elena.
The silletas and the parade at the fair
The history of the Flower Fair as we know it today dates back to 1957, when the first parade of the silletas was held, but this time what they carried were the beautiful flowers grown by the peasants of Medellín, especially those of Santa Elena.
How many silleteros can I appreciate at the party?
According to the media of the Medellín Mayor's Office, every year there is a progressive increase in peasants who want to display their silletas as a family tradition that from generation to generation want to be the protagonists of the festival, reaching up to 400 in a parade. silleteros beautifying the streets of Medellín and bringing thousands of tourists to this beautiful, fragrant and colorful festival.
What is the plan for the Flower Fair in August?
Within the framework of the Flower Fair, various activities are carried out that take the inhabitants and visitors of Medellín for approximately twelve days, to live an adventure through gastronomy, customs and the hospitable, friendly and cheerful idiosyncrasy of the inhabitants of the rurality and centrality of the city of eternal spring and of the people of Antioquia in general. Every year activities such as the parade of silleteros, the parade of classic and old cars, the parade of bicycles as a tribute to the means of transport, the activities with the "furry" canine friends, the parade of the little wooden horses that they carry on their the innocent faces of the little ones, the country inns, among many other activities, join the celebration of this annual festival. August is also dressed in joy with the different cultural meetings, concerts and tablados that through the trova and other artistic manifestations with national and international guests, provide colorful encounters with the history, tradition and all the love of the Antioquia silletera culture.
How to learn more about the Medellín fair?
If you want to know more about this beautiful and traditional Medellín Flower Fair, visit the city's Development and Tourism offices or enter the Medellín City Hall portal and pack your bags to spend unforgettable days.
