Diana Gómez and her farming family in Santa Elena, Colombia, are preparing traditional floral "silleta" displays for the Silleteros Parade in Medellín.
This annual preparation represents the intersection of agricultural labor and cultural identity. By showcasing local flower varieties and craftsmanship, the family ensures that the rural traditions of the Santa Elena region remain visible in an increasingly urbanized world.
The process involves the meticulous arrangement of flowers onto large wooden frames, known as silletas. These displays are carried on the backs of the participants as they march through the streets of Medellín. For the Gómez family, the act of creating these arrangements is more than an artistic endeavor; it is a way to honor their ancestral connection to the land.
Family participation in the Silleteros Parade has lasted for more than 30 years [1]. This multi-generational commitment allows the family to pass down specific farming techniques and floral design skills to younger members, preventing the loss of indigenous knowledge related to regional botany.
The parade serves as a focal point for the community of Santa Elena. While the event attracts thousands of spectators, the primary motivation for the Gómez family is the preservation of their farming heritage. The silletas act as living archives of the soil and climate of their home region.
By maintaining these practices, the family resists the pressure to abandon traditional agriculture for more modern, industrial alternatives. The floral displays serve as a public testament to the viability and beauty of small-scale farming in Colombia.
“The Gómez family of Santa Elena prepares traditional floral silletas for Medellín’s Silleteros Parade.”
The continued participation of families like the Gómez's in the Silleteros Parade highlights the role of cultural festivals in sustaining agricultural biodiversity. By linking economic farming to a high-profile cultural event, these practitioners create a social and emotional incentive to maintain traditional land-use patterns that might otherwise be replaced by urban expansion or industrial monoculture.
