Medellín from August 3 to 9, 2026: Flower Festival, parades, and top events
From August 3 to 9, Medellín celebrates the most exciting days of the 2026 Flower Festival. The city comes alive with traditional parades, live music, floral exhibitions, and cultural activities that showcase the heritage of the silleteros and the spirit of Antioquia. It is the most vibrant week of the year and one of the best times to experience Medellín.
Silleteros Parade 2026
The Silleteros Parade is the most important event of the Flower Festival and Medellín's most iconic cultural tradition. More than 530 silleteros from the district of Santa Elena march through the city carrying handcrafted flower displays known as silletas, preserving a tradition recognized as Colombia's National Cultural Heritage. Featuring traditional, monumental, artistic, emblematic, and commercial categories, the parade is the highlight of the festival and an essential experience for anyone visiting Medellín.
Location: Route from Avenida Regional to Plaza Mayor Medellín
Date: August 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Classic and Antique Car Parade 2026
One of the Flower Festival's signature events is the Classic and Antique Car Parade, featuring nearly 400 historic automobiles and dozens of vintage motorcycles traveling through Medellín's main avenues. Organized by the Transportation Museum Foundation, the parade celebrates automotive heritage while attracting thousands of spectators every year. In 2026, the event features the longest route in its history, making it one of the festival's biggest highlights.
Location: Route from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) to Universidad EAFIT
Date: August 7, 2026
Time: 9:45 AM
Chivas and Flowers Parade 2026
The Chivas and Flowers Parade is one of the most colorful and traditional celebrations of Medellín's Flower Festival. Dozens of chivas (traditional Colombian buses), decorated with flowers and regional ornaments, travel through the city's main streets accompanied by folkloric groups, live music, and cultural performances. The parade honors Antioquia's rural transportation heritage while offering visitors a vibrant celebration of local traditions. Its festive atmosphere and cultural significance make it one of the must-see events of the Flower Festival.
Location: Main avenues of Medellín
Date: August 8, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM
Flower Festival Plazas 2026
The Flower Festival Plazas are part of Medellín's official Flower Festival program, bringing together traditional Antioquian food, local entrepreneurs, live music, and floral displays in different locations across the city. These festive spaces allow visitors to experience the celebration beyond the main parades while enjoying local cuisine, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities. Thanks to their free admission and diverse programming, they remain one of the best ways to experience the Flower Festival throughout the week.
Location: Various parks and public venues across Medellín (according to the official schedule) Date: August 3–9, 2026 Time: Varies according to each location