Local Festivals and Events in Medellin, Colombia 🇨🇱

Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring, is a vibrant and lively destination that offers a rich cultural experience beyond its stunning landscapes. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this city’s rich traditions is by attending some of the local festivals and events. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:

Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) 🌺

Dates: Early August

This ten-day festival celebrates Medellin’s flower growers, showcasing the city’s beauty and traditional music. Parades, concerts, and exhibitions of flowers are held throughout the city, with the Silletera Parade being the highlight. Sillero is a profession unique to Medellin, where individuals carry arrangements of flowers on their hats.

BandsMusicRock (BMR) 🎶

Dates: Late October/Early November

BMR is an annual rock music festival that takes place in Parque Poblado and features local and international bands. The event showcases various genres, including rock, heavy metal, pop punk, indie, and electronic music. If you’re a music lover, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy live performances under Medellin’s sunny skies.

Fiestas Navideñas (Christmas Festivals) 🎄

Dates: December

Medellin goes all out for Christmas, with festive decorations and events throughout the month. Be sure to visit Parque Berrío during this time, where a huge Christmas tree lights up the city skyline. Other highlights include the traditional Posada (a tradition where friends and family gather to celebrate Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem), concerts, and firework displays.

Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light) 💡

Dates: December 7th

This annual event takes place on the anniversary of Medellin’s foundation and showcases artistic performances and light installations across the city. The main attractions are held at Parque Berrío, where you can enjoy concerts, dance shows, and acrobatics under a stunning display of lights.

Fiestas de la Candelaria 🕯️

Dates: Late January/Early February

This religious celebration honors the Virgin Mary and takes place in the town of La Candelaria, about an hour from Medellin. The festival includes traditional music, dance, and food, as well as the famous “Baile del Diablo” (Devil’s Dance), where participants dress up as demons and dance to scare away evil spirits.