Folkloric events showcase the unveiling of new sculptures in Dante Fascell Park.
On April 2nd 2020, the City of South Miami hosted its first mini Feria de los Flores at Dante Fascell Park, home to the Colombian Sculpture Garden. The celebration occasioned the official unveiling of three new sculptures and the welcoming sculpture garden sign in the park.
The Feria de los Flores is the spectacular ten-day folkloric festival in Medellin. The silleteros (porters who carry the large round floral displays) are the stars of the annual Desfile de Silleteros (Flower Parade) through the streets of Medellin, the highlight of the 10-day festival. The silletros are the embodiment of the of Antioquian culture in the mountains of Colombia.
South Miami’s mini flower festival featured live entertainment, music, dance and traditional Colombian foods. The event was produced by the city’s park and recreation department with the support of the local Colombian community and the Colombian consulate.
The sculptures provided by Colombian artists are curated by Dr. Santiago Medina a native of Medellin who is a local resident and medical professional. All six sculptures are donated by the artists in support of the Sister-City program which has been spearheaded by South Miami City Commissioner Josh Liebman. The sculpture garden is a one-of-a-kind project and has elevated the profile of the City of South Miami.
On the Friday evening prior to the public event at Dante Fascell Park, a VIP reception was held in town to acknowledge the sponsors, Sister-City dignitaries and elected officials. The silleteros came into the reception space with one of the floral arrangements prepared for the flower festival. A representative of the tourism office of the Mayor of Medellin presented the silleteros to the gathering. Pictured below are (L-R): sculptor Luis Jimenez, sculptor Dr. Santiago Medina, Annette Tadeo’s mother, Comm. Josh Liebman, City Manager Shari Kamali, Commi. Luis Gil, State Senator Annette Tadeo, State Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin, and Colombian Consul General Pedro Valencia.
See additional SOMI Magazine coverage of the Sister-City development and the Colombian Sculpture Garden:
Volume XV, No.1 Winter Edition (2019/20) Cover Feature: background article on the Sister-City program and the introduction of the Colombian Sculpture Garden by Colombian President Duque. https://somimag.com/sister-city-is-established/
Volume XVII, No. 1 Winter Edition (2021/22) Cover Feature: new installations at the Colombian Sculpture Garden. https://somimag.com/sculpture-garden-blossoms/
