John Jairo Grajales Gómez secured the absolute winner title at the 69th Desfile de Silleteros in Medellín on Sunday, August 9, 2026, according to official event results. Held as a central celebration of the annual Feria de las Flores, the traditional parade gathered roughly 700 silleteros from Santa Elena to present elaborate floral designs crafted over months of preparation.
Winners Recognized Across Multiple Categories
The 69th edition of the parade honored participant talent and family tradition across seven distinct categories, as announced by event organizers. John Jairo Grajales Gómez claimed the traditional category alongside his absolute victory. Additional category winners include Gabriel Grajales in the emblematic division, David Santiago Grisales in the monumental category, and Víctor Julio Ruiz in the artistic category.
Further category victories went to Mateo Londoño Ospina in the commercial division, Isabela Grajales Grajales in the junior category, and Isabela Londoño Grajales in the infantil division. According to event organizers, these recognitions highlight not just composition and beauty, but the multi-generational family labor that preserves the cultural manifestation.
Did You Know? The Desfile de Silleteros gathers approximately 700 silleteros from Santa Elena who spend months preparing their designs, and the traditional event will reach its 70th anniversary in 2027.
Official Attendance and National Leadership Presence
National and local officials attended Sunday’s event, observing the parade from designated viewing areas and participating as evaluators. Vice President José Manuel Restrepo arrived at the premiation zone at approximately 1:00 p.m., while his wife, Tatiana Céspedes, participates as part of the group of jurados. Later, at approximately 2:40 p.m., President Abelardo de la Espriella arrived at grandstand number 4 on Avenida del Río alongside Medellín Mayor Federico Gutiérrez to watch the participants.
Content creator Westcol also participated as an integrante del grupo de jurados at the start of the event, joining officials in observing and evaluating the competitive entries. Newly appointed Minister of Cultures Paola Holguín served as a judge for one of her first public duties in office, expressing emotion over the significance of nuevove el Desfile de Silleteros for Colombia.
Parade Route and Traffic Restrictions
The 2,4-kilometer parade began at 2:00 p.m. and was scheduled to run until approximately 7:00 p.m., following a route from the puente de Guayaquil through the avenida Regional, the soterrado del río Medellín, Calle San Juan, and avenida del Ferrocarril, ending at Plaza Mayor Medellín. Authorities established temporary road closures to ensure security for participants and thousands of spectators.
According to transit authorities, closures on the avenida Regional began Saturday, August 8, at 9:00 p.m. and run until Sunday at 10:00 p.m. Restrictions on avenida San Juan began Sunday at 3:00 a.m., while avenida Ferrocarril closed at 6:00 a.m., with both remaining restricted until 10:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the absolute title at the 2026 Desfile de Silleteros?
John Jairo Grajales Gómez won the absolute title of the 69th edition of the parade, alongside first place in the traditional category.
What date took place the 69th Desfile de Silleteros?
The event took place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, in Medellín.
Which main roads faced closures during the event?
Authorities restricted traffic on avenida Regional, avenida San Juan, and avenida Ferrocarril to accommodate the parade route and ensure safety.
What steps should municipal authorities take next to balance large-scale cultural tourism with mobility needs in Medellín?
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