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Colombia


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COLOMBIA -- CULTURAL SITE -----------------45[ARTICLE]

PULL UP A CHAIR

Santa Elena

Everyone Loves a Parade

The Silleteros Parade has been officially held in Medellín since 1957. It was born as way to boost the local market for flowers grown by farmers who live in rural areas surrounding the city, especially in the township of Santa Elena.

By Heydi Bernal for Ruta Pantera on 2/24/2025 9:33:18 AM

There is a charming place on the outskirts of Medellín, a place where nature merges with an enriching cultural heritage. It is one of the five districts of the city of Medellín and where its climate is cool, it is rich in mountainous landscapes and it is the ideal destination to seek a little calm and to be able to connect with nature without having to travel too much or leave Medellín. Surely many know that we are talking about Santa Elena. A magical place where people who visit it immerse themselves in Antioquian tradition and authenticity.

Santa Elena: Nature, Culture and Silletera Tradition

In this district of Medellín, just 43 minutes from the city center, we can find and connect with the silletera tradition, an emblematic symbolism of the paisa identity. In this place surrounded by nature, we find the magnificent wooden structures decorated with flowers, which all Antioquians and many visitors have been able to see thanks to the Flower Fair.

This practice of carrying a chair on the back loaded with flowers was originally used to transport goods, food and even people through the difficult Andean routes. This method of transport turned out to be much more reliable than the use of pack animals, thus giving rise to a practice that became an art.

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The Silleteros parade at the Flower Fair, born in Santa Elena, is celebrated every year since 1957. This event brings together a large number of people to celebrate a tradition that keeps this ancestral custom of the silleteros alive. The privilege of being a silletero is not held by everyone, as this is transmitted by family inheritance, this is due to its technical complexity, the deep cultural roots and the importance of community recognition of this practice. This tradition not only protects the know-how, but also reinforces the identity of a people who see the silleta and the parade as a way to honour their history and roots.

Over the decades, the event has evolved: from spontaneous parades to an institutionalised celebration. In 2021, the Inclusion category was added, and the silleteros have participated in international venues, such as Expo Dubai and tours through Mexico and Spain. The silleta has ceased to be a simple means of transport to become a symbol of the resilience and creativity of the inhabitants of Santa Elena, who have known how to preserve and renew this ancestral heritage in each edition of the parade.

Parque Arví

But Santa Elena is not only recognised for its silleteros, but also for its great natural beauty, each of its landscapes and the abundance of green areas, offering an ideal panorama for walkers. The proximity of Arví Park, Piedras Blancas Ecological Park and the Laguan Circuit enriches and complements the other landscapes of the rest of Santa Elena, due to its great flora and fauna and the possibility of developing outdoor activities such as picnics and camping. In addition, the experience is enriched by the local gastronomic offer, where native products such as fresh trout and traditional Antioquian arepas stand out, which add flavor and authenticity to each visit.

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Getting There

To get to Santa Elena, there are two options from the center of Medellín. The first of them costs approximately $3.24 dollars, which can be combined with the metro with the cable car to enjoy panoramic views on the way up to the mountains, or use public land transportation for approximately $1.50 dollars.

In addition, the hospitality of the locals is reflected in the varied accommodation offer. In the district you can find everything from cozy cabins to modern eco-hotels that invite you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. It is recommended to visit Santa Elena in August, during the Flower Fair, to experience the silletero tradition even more and to be able to fully experience the festive atmosphere of the fair.
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