Feria de las Flores

First, let me say that I have been thinking about this blog and the best way to use it. I have decided to use this space strictly as a travel blog. Here you will find my weekend adventures and all the fun that comes along with living abroad. Once again, this was meant to be for me as much as it is to you, my readers. Professionally, I do not feel comfortable sharing experiences, good and bad, about the school on such a public space. So, with that said, I have created a google doc to share the weekly happenings. If you want to check that out, just email me and I will share it will you. My email is ksmith825 @ gmail.com 

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Now, I also want to apologize for the delay. I did not have internet for nearly two weeks so I am a little behind. 

For me not to be much of a flower person, I centered my entire weekend around them and I couldn't have been happier about it. This weekend was the culmination of the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival). This is the second biggest draw/attraction to the city. There are different activities each and everyday from mid-July to early August. Medellin is known for their flowers and it is also a huge cultural celebration.

Saturday, I met a group of teachers at the Botanical Gardens. I took a taxi all the way there and I got yet another compliment on my Spanish. Let me just tell you how low their standards are for gringos because it is far from worth of a compliment!

The different displays are incredible. Having been here just a few weeks ago, the transformation that they made was just incredible. It was bare the last time we were there and now there were absolutely beautiful exhibits and flowers (many of which are orchids) all over. Words cannot do it justice so I am just going to dump a few photos here. 

A typical fruit/juice stand. They also had market stalls with different crafts. 

We explored the gardens for a while and then sat at a cafe for some snacks and small talk about life, school, etc. Then we headed to the metro so we could go to Mercado del Rio. It was an old warehouse which had been turned into a really neat eatery with different littler restaurants all over. It was a nice, quiet atmosphere with tons of character and good food of course.

A few of us decided to walk back to our place for a little more exercise (my most common form of exercise recently). Luckily, we came across a huge festival. There was a tv station there doing a segment about who knows what but it was hilarious. The three guys in the chiva came out and started singing and then one guy carried another guy off on his back. 

This is a small chiva- party bus. 

Desfile de Silleteros - 60 year anniversary 

We checked this out for a while and learned the history of the silleteros. It all starts in Santa Elena, the birthplace of this tradition, where they make the flower arrangements. Kids of all ages (aka actual kids to very old people) make this trek down into the city carrying the displays that weigh between 40 and 120 kg (about 80-260 pounds). This year there was about 500 participants. The parade is 10km so just imagine carry that on your back the whole way.

Here is a little history. In the colonial times (about 200 years ago), the silleteros would carry down the sick on wooden seats on their back. That evolved to fruits and vegetables that they would carry down to sell at markets. Eventually, the began doing the same thing with flowers. It was then that the idea for a parade to celebrate them was born.

With that said, it a huge cultural celebration for the people of Santa Elena. It is a honor to participate in but it is only open to descendants of the generations of people that have participated since its inception.

Saturday, we went to Santa Elena, about an hour away from the city, to check it all out. A teacher has a finca (a farm but not a farm like we would think about it. just a house out in nature with or without lots of land) nearby and many people were staying the night. We all packed a bag to stay just in case we got stuck there. They close almost all of the roads so we were not sure if we would be able to get back or not.

There were probably about 20 teachers from the school that were there and we had a great time. We spent most of the day in the city square. There were food vendors all around and a couple craft stalls. Of course, there was also a big amphitheater with a band and some dancing. I had a roasted ear of corn, tried lechon (backed whole pig then stuffed with rice and beans and cooked again), and chuzo de pollo (chicken kebab). 

meat, meat, meat and some arepas

Local Colombian with the poncho and hat 

Many people headed back to the finca for the night but a group of 8 of us wanted to go explore and see where they were actually making the silletas. We ended up just wandering around but did come across some of the places that they were making them. It was a beautiful night and we had a great time!

With a little help from some locals and the police, we found our way back and waited for the taxi that someone had arranged earlier in the day for us. Fun day but it was nice to be able to sleep in my own bed that night. 

The next day was the climax. The actual parade was happening. It was one of our best days since we got here. Crowded does not even begin to be able to do it justice. People from all over the country and all over the world come just to see this parade. We definitely got there later than we should have but we were still able to manage to squeeze in behind some people on the bridge overlooking the parade to see enough of it. They were selling stools to stand on that nearly everyone had so of course we all bought one. It would have been hopeless without that. Next year, we might even splurge for buying tickets to sit in the bleachers. 

Right when we got there, we saw a float with a band come by and a series of horses. However, that passed quickly and we waited and waited. It was hot and crowded but the entertainment was not lacking. People selling drinks (mostly beer) and food came by advertising (the nice way of saying yelling) constantly. A couple came by with their stereo on wheels to dance for tips. Two drag queens came by. It was busy. 

After a bathroom break, we got back in time to catch the start of the parade. It was phenomenal. Everything about it. The crowds. The silletas. The silleteros. The music. The dancing. The bands. 

These men and women, children and adults, are incredible. We were towards the end of their trek so they were definitely tired. They often raised their hands or waved their hats for the crowd to make noise for them. They occasionally stopped and the crowd would chant 'Si, se puede! Si, se puede! Si, se puede!' (yes you can!) over and over for them. We had a great time playing with a selfie stick, interacting with the locals, and watching a serious girl fight over the umbrellas. 

On the way back I got my first little Colombian souvenir to commemorate the silleteros. All in all, it was a winning day and a great first puente. I have some pretty high expectations for the remaining 15!

Lastly, here is a little comparison for you. The weather does some crazy things here. Often foggy in the morning but it clears up nicely in the afternoon. Unfortuanley, I think I have a lot more of this rainy/foggy coming at me soon so I am enjoying the clear, blue sky views while I can!