La Feria de las Flores began in the 1950’s as a relatively low-key affair to help inspire local flower growers in the region. As a result, it still feels a bit like a village fete, though on a much grander scale.

Indeed, it has blossomed into one of Colombia’s most significant events of the year while Colombia is now the second largest exporter of flowers in the world and controls 77% of the cut flower market in the United States.

La Feria de las Flores supposedly holds two titles in the Guinness Book of World Records for both the largest outdoor flower parade and the largest outdoor gathering of horses.

The flower parade takes place on the last day as farmers carry huge flower arrangements (silletas) on their back, through the city centre.  The silletas can be as large as 15 feet in diameter and are designed to look like landscapes, figures or other famous images.

The horse parade consists of over 7,000 horses and their riders surrounded by an even larger number of intoxicated onlookers.