Medellín has emblematic fairs and festivals that, due to their particularities, have attracted the attention of thousands of tourists around the world: people who seek to live authentic experiences that transmit the singularities of this region. During these festive and tourist seasons in the city, visitors can enjoy, for example, a parade of more than five hundred silleteros (peasants carrying majestic floral arrangements on their backs); the second most important tango festival in the world; or more than thirty million lights that fill the city with colors during the Christmas season and have made it worthy of national and international recognitions.
Medellín, with the joy that distinguishes it, celebrates its tradition and culture on different dates throughout the year, demonstrating why it is an exceptional tourist destination. There are no better seasons to travel, discover, and live memorable experiences in this city. By visiting Medellín during three of its most important fairs and festivals, tourists can enjoy flowers, music, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, and much more.
Medellín International Tango Festival – Festitango: Did you know that, in 1935, tango legend Carlos Gardel died in Medellín? In consequence, the city fell in love with the genre and became a recognized tango capital. This is why, in June, the city celebrates this passion with the second most important tango festival in the world: orchestras and ensembles; dance shows and lessons; concerts and recitals; local, national, and international guests. The bandoneon takes over the squares of the city where—as a famous song says—the tiles of the ballrooms tremble, and Manrique, a neighborhood in the northeastern area, becomes the heart of tango culture.
Flowers Festival: In August, the city fills with colors. Millions of flowers grown by peasants of the region decorate the city exalting the silleteros’ culture. The Silleteros Parade, the highlight of the celebration, is known for being “the world’s largest outdoor flower show.” In addition, different events are held throughout the city: nights of music, comedy, and dance and days of gastronomy, parades, and exhibitions; all this in the many artistic and cultural scenarios that take over the city’s neighborhoods and small towns. Among others, we highlight the National Trova Festival—a genuine expression of the paisa culture, the Classic and Antique Cars Parade, and the Orchids, Flowers, and Handicrafts exhibition.
Christmas Festival: Millions of flowers in August and millions of lights in December illuminating the Medellín River and the main streets of the city to celebrate the Christmas season. Different events fill with joy the people who gather around this festivity. A perfect time to walk the streets, parks, and neighborhoods of the city enjoying the Christmas lighting, the artistic corridors, the Parade of Myths and Legends, the Street of Artists, the Christmas Ballet, and the various exhibitions and scenarios dedicated to exalt the national, regional, and local culture.
“Thanks to the economic reactivation of the city, our fairs and festivals become ideal opportunities to visit Medellín and discover our traditions and culture. We are ready to welcome tourists and offer them safe experiences.”
Medellín is ready to welcome you! Are you up for experiencing our traditions and culture during the tourist seasons of fairs and festivals? Three moments that will show you the extraordinary destination that we are. For more information for agencies, wholesalers, and tour operators, please contact us at yospina@bureaumedellin.com or visit www.bureaumedellin.com.
