In the Santa Elena Silleteros Tour, you will get up close to one of Colombia’s most emblematic cultural traditions. You will visit a silletera farm where you will learn about the art and history behind the famous “silletas” used in the Medellín Flower Festival. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to participate in creating a mini silleta and interact with an authentic silletero, who will share their life story and the cultural value of this tradition. The tour includes a typical Antioquian lunch in a countryside setting.
Private Transportation: Round-trip private transfers from your accommodation in Medellín, with a comfortable and safe service that allows you to fully enjoy each experience.
Silletero Talk: Includes an educational talk about the silletero tradition, where an expert will tell you the history and cultural significance of this famous tradition from the Antioquia region.
Entrance to the Silletero House: Entrance to the Silletero House is included, where you can learn more about the process of making the famous “silletas” and their importance in the Medellín Flower Fair.
Flower Farm Tour: The tour includes a guided walk through the flower fields, where you will learn about the varieties grown and the production technique that makes the region famous for its high-quality flowers.
Traditional Snack: The tour includes a typical regional snack, allowing you to taste local delicacies while immersing yourself in the culture and natural surroundings.
The tour allows you to visit silleteros farms, learn about the tradition of making “silletas,” and discover the history of this festivity.
The silletero tradition dates back over 150 years and represents Paisa culture, where farmers carried flowers and agricultural products on “silletas” on their backs.
Visitors participate in “silleta” making workshops, enjoy flower exhibitions, and listen to stories from local silleteros.
The best time is during the Flower Fair in August, when parades take place, and the farms are in full activity.
The silletero tradition was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation in Colombia in 2003.
The “silletas” can weigh up to 70 kg and are carried on the backs of the silleteros during the famous Flower Fair parade.
Santa Elena is one of the main flower-growing areas in Antioquia, with a great variety of floral species.