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August • MedellÃn, Colombia
Feria de las Flores (Colombia)
The Feria de las Flores is a week-long festival in MedellÃn, Colombia, that celebrates the region's flower-growing heritage. The highlight is the desfile de Silleteros, where farmers carry massive, elaborate flower displays on their backs through the streets. Today we're debating the burden of beauty—is it important to keep hard, physical traditions alive, or should we use modern machines to make it easier? We explore the pride of a city built on flowers.
Speaking Discussion
- Why are flowers the universal symbol of celebration and beauty?
- Should physical labour (like carrying heavy displays) be part of a modern festival?
- How does a specific smell (like flowers) trigger memories of home for you?
- Is a festival about nature more important than one about history?
- If you had to represent your city with one symbol, what would it be?
Activity 1: The Silletero's Pride
You are a Flower Farmer. You have carried 50kg of flowers for 5 hours. Explain to a tourist why you feel "Proud" using the word "Endurance".
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate
Justify your answer in 30 seconds:
- "Beauty is worth the pain."
- "Modern festivals have become too commercial and lost their soul."
- "Flowers are the best way to say i love you."