Thursday night we went out to dinner with friend Albert Crutcher of the YouTube channel “100 Cups Colombia“. We went to a really nice steak house, The Black Pepper Steak House, in El Poblado. A great filet and a glass of red wine really hit the spot.
The next morning we went for a walk to find a new coffee house. On the way six police motorcycles rode up and parked. There were two female officers on each bike (not uncommon as all police motorcycles carry two officers). They got off the motorcycles all smiles. We approached as Melanie wanted a photo with them. They motioned for me to come over for the photo also. I was keeping a respectable distance with my arm around one of the officers. She looked at me and smiled, then pulled me close for the photo. Such a change from the US. They were walking the street handing out flyers about human trafficking and domestic abuse. They were also visiting shops and talking to people to see if anyone needed help. My respect to each of them. After we did find a great coffee house, the Hija Mia NOMADA, all female owned and a safe place. We ordered two Mochaccinos. They were served to us with perfect pink hearts on top from the barista. Fittingly we were sitting in pink chairs on their sidewalk cafe.
Saturday and Sunday were reserved for the parades of Feria de las Flores. Saturday was a car parade. The route was maybe 20 miles. People packed the entire route. There were more police at the beginning than I have ever seen in a parade. They were on motorcycles and floats, with large bands and celebration by the police. As they passed there were cheers and waving out of respect and smiles all over. Then the decorated Cadillac hursts. Then the newer cars followed by older classic American cars. One of the best parades I have ever saw, until Sunday.
Sunday was the parade of flowers. The silleteros’ parade, is known in Spanish as the Desfile de Silleteros. This tradition began in 1957. The flower growers of the region all compete and parade their silleteros. The silletas on show in the parade are made from wood. They have a back plate and two handles. This design allows them to be carried on a person’s back. They were used in colonial times to transport people through the Andes mountains, in Antioquia.
The most famous figure of this tradition is the legendary María La Larga. She was a silletera who was said to have carried children on her back. María transported the children in a novel way. She persuaded many of the region’s farmers of the benefits of silletas. They found silletas to be the easiest way to transport their flowers. It was also the fastest method from their farms to the city.
The use of the word silleta then became generalized. The term has been used since the beginning of the twentieth century. It refers to the people who sell local flowers on Medellín’s cobble-stoned streets.
Every year, men, women, and children proudly carry on their backs a floral depiction of their life histories. They also carry a depiction of their land and culture. This parade is eagerly awaited by both foreign and national tourists who join in the lovely tradition of chanting “Cuando pasan los silleteros, es Antioquia la que pasa,” (When the silleteros pass, it’s Antioquia that is passing.) These silleteros can weigh as much as 200 pounds and considered an honor to be chosen to carry one over the parade route.
The parade was about three miles long and would take several hours. The view points were terrible but were packed shoulder to shoulder and 5-6 deep. The parade was led by the police, army, and swat units. Special forces and face covered drug fighting units followed. There were musical floats and bands. This was all separated by people in colorful costumes carrying their silleteros. After about three hours a huge thunderstorm with torrential rain came off the mountain scattering everyone. We grabbed a taxi after being drenched to the core. Others just returned to the fences to watch and the parade continued. I would think this is sort of the norm for here.
After the rains we wandered down for a coffee and to people watch and listen to music. Tomorrow I will pack up the motorcycle and we will start our journey south.
Stay tuned for our little hiccup in our trip. Hope everything works out.
Stay healthy out there.
Cheers,
2WANDRRs
2WANDRRs 
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