Salon Malaga is an old-timey bar perfect for tango and bolero lovers. When setting foot in here, you’ll be able to travel back in time and feel like you are in one of those old days bohemian movies.

Are you curious about what you can find there? Then let me share an honest personal review about Salon Malaga with you.  Let’s get into it!

A Brief History of Salon Malaga 

This bastion of the musical tradition of yesteryear was born in 1957 and founded by Gustavo Arteaga. Its main objective was to cultivate popular music as an art. Art is enjoyed to the fullest regardless of age or social status.

Recently, this place has grown in popularity. A big reason for that is because many famous artists and music figures of yesteryear have graced the halls of the Salon.

One of the charms of Salon Malaga is the collection of photographs on permanent display. You can look at photos of Medellín in the first 50 years of the twentieth century. There have been glamorous artists who performed there. 

The Gold Record was awarded to Salon Malaga by CBS in 1968, in a competition in which it ranked first. Today, it’s a historical and cultural heritage of Medellin, where you can learn much more about history.

If that isn’t impressive enough, Gustavo Arteaga is one of the most important collectors of yesteryear music. He has a collection of 78 revolutions records with real musical jewels that are difficult to find anywhere else.

How to Get There

Public transportation is the best way to get there. This Salon is just a few steps from the San Antonio metro station (Route A). If you prefer to take the bus, you can take one of these:

• 133D
• C6E2
• M36
• T4 016

It is not simple to drive there since parking your car can be a bit tricky. The area in front of the venue is more pedestrian friendly and used for the EnCicla bike system. So if you skipped leg day, this one is in your favor.

Getting there by taking a rideshare app or taxi is also a good option. 

IG: @salon.malaga

Website:https://salonmalaga.com/

Address: Carrera 51 N° 45-80 San Antonio Metro Station

Events at Salon Malaga

Throughout the week, you can attend various events and activities. Expect to be treated to exquisite dance shows, meetings, and much more.

On their website, you can find the schedule of their events that are available every week. If you want to catch an event with top-rated artists, you should check their Instagram page. 

Now let’s see the events you can attend!

Tango Shows

Enjoy the best live performers every Saturday from 5:30 p.m. Tango is a frequent art in the Salon and is always accompanied by live music. Tango shows are the most popular events, so you better make your reservations for the shows beforehand. 

Tango is one of Arteaga’s favorite genres, so this place is one of the dance floors where the annual Medellín International Tango Festival takes place.

Events like this are also a meeting place for true connoisseurs of tango.  Guests take hours talking about the subject, drinking wine, and sharing vinyl gems from their collections.

Musical Meetings

The second Wednesday of every month at 5:30 pm is dedicated to live ancient music. These nights are a perfect cultural space to share ideas, meet new people, and practice some Spanish language. 

If you didn’t know anything about the Colombian music of yesteryear, musical meetings are the perfect spot to learn about it. Some of the genres you can enjoy are:

• Bambuco
• Opera
• Zarzuela
• Bolero
• Criolla
• Porro
• Waltz

Bolero Thursdays

One of the most popular events at Salon Malaga, and for which you have to make reservations in advance, are the Bolero Thursdays. This event is a relaxing opportunity to take a sip of your favorite beverage while enjoying live musicians performing beautiful old-world songs.

This bohemian music event attracts locals, foreigners, and audiences of all ages. The atmosphere created around this event is very casual and elegant. Even if you don’t understand Spanish, the bolero is a music genre that doesn’t need words to express emotions and feelings.

Viejoteca

Every Sunday from 2:00 pm, the dance floor is open to anyone who wants to practice a few moves or admire the perfect dance moves of authentic old music lovers. 

Making a Reservation

You only need to book a table on Saturdays, the most popular day of the Salon. On the other days, entry to Salon Malaga is free, and you’ll easily be able to find a place to sit.

To make a reservation, guests must send a bank transfer, a photo of the receipt to Whatsapp, the number of people, the reservation name, and an ETA.

A phone number is located on the website if you have any questions.

Spend an Evening at Salon Malaga 

Without a doubt, Salon Malaga is one of the Medellin must-visits that you cannot miss. If you want to relive the memory of the old Medellin and discover a little more of its musical heritage, spend an evening at this yesteryear music sanctuary. 

So, what do you say? Are you thinking of practicing your dance floor moves at Salon Malaga? Let us know in the comments!

Like the story? Take a second to support Medellin Living on Patreon!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Not only for grabbing a bite, but this place is also a perfect option to take your friends or partner to events such as concerts, speaking events, dance performances, live music shows, and more.

Are you curious about this place? Then, there’s no time to lose! Let’s get into this uniqueness and let your picky eater side run wild!

Brief History of Mercado del Rio

Located in the El Poblado neighborhood, this building was formerly an old soap warehouse from the 30s and is closely involved in the industrialization process of the Medellin. In fact, due to the nearby railway lines operating at that time, the building has a triangular shape.

The remodeling of this place aimed to keep the industrialized style while elegant of that time. On the other hand, the designers wanted to maintain a dynamic indoor design with a steampunk touch.

How to Get There

Luckily, this place is right next to Regional avenue, one of the city’s main highways, it’s just a few miles south of the city’s downtown area, so it’s easy to get there from anywhere in Medellin.

The quickest way to get to Mercado del Rio is taking the metro and getting off at the Industriales station. From there you only have to walk 5 minutes. If you choose to take a bus, just get off at the bus stop on Avenida de Los Industriales and then turn the corner. You’ll be there in the blink of an eye.

As I don’t recommend driving there (because there are only limited and paid parking spots), you can also take a taxi, rideshare app, or use the EnCicla bike system if you’re not a fan of public means of transport.

IG: @mercadodelriomedellin

Address: Cl. 24 #48-28, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia. 

Inside the Gastro Market 

Whether looking for casual dining or a bar to get a round of drinks from strangers, this classy market has an option for everyone.

Restaurants

More than 30 restaurants offer a variety of national and international dishes, so you better bring an empty stomach and an open mind to taste haute cuisine food.

We all know a picky eater! Perhaps this article is describing you! Alas, don’t worry at all. Mercado del Rio is home to the top-notch eateries from Medellin. Tour the halls and food stalls, and you can travel to Spain, Peru, India, Korea,  Japan, and Argentina.

It would be criminal to have lunch or dinner and skip dessert. Fortunately, you can satisfy your sweet cravings with different kinds of candy, ice cream, waffles, and more. Just check out La Creperia and Alfamore, the most popular boutique sweet shops in the market. 

Coworking Cafe

If you’re looking for peace of mind to work in some business, you should look for a seat at Cafe Cowork Mercado, where you can enjoy the best quality Colombian coffee beans and a strong wifi connection.

Plus, they offer a variety of freshly baked desserts and pastries to unleash your sweet tooth.

Bars

After lunch or finishing work, relax with a glass of your favorite drink at any of the bars in Mercado del Rio. Wine, beer, champagne, or cocktails, in any case, you’ll find a new experience of mixology, liquor tasting, and live music to accompany your drink.

It is highly recommended to drop by the terrace where you’ll find Finestre, with the perfect late-night atmosphere and handcrafted drinks that will leave you speechless.

What to Expect

Beyond filling your stomach and fulfilling your cravings, Mercado del Rio is a meeting place for locals and tourists who want to spend time learning a little more about the Antioquian culture. 

Expect to be dazzled by the variety of weekly activities this market prepares for guests.

Workshops

Frankly, you can find workshops related to anything. Not only are there plenty of workshops related to food and alcohol, but there are also shops that are targeted to every part of the public so that you can include the little ones in some workshops.

At the time of my visit, I was able to participate in a kite-making workshop. If you didn’t know, August is the windiest month in Colombia, so children and adults are encouraged to make their kites.

Remember to check out their social networks from time to time to know the monthly schedule and book your place at the workshops. Usually, they’re pretty affordable and fun. Live a little, and don’t hesitate to participate in one!

Live Music Shows

You can find live music shows of all genres giving a soothing and chill atmosphere to your experience. 

Dance Performances

You’ll usually find dance performances at festivals held from time to time in the market, so check the social media pages.

There are typical Colombian dances with fun rhythms and beats anywhere you look.  There’s even an Argentine tango with an international audience. There are countless chances to groove the night away!

Festivals 

Better keep up to date, because many festivals last 1 or 2 days. They’re usually about food and drinks, but others invite the whole family together, such as the pet festival “Silleteros con cola“.

Coffee & Wine Tasting Experience

By far, the most popular activity is wine tasting and dining, since you have the chance to spend the day sharpening your senses and delighting your taste buds with eccentric drinks such as wine and coffee.

Great Food Awaits in Mercado del Rio

Picking up food and gorging yourself with tasty gourmet dishes is easy now that you know about Mercado del Rio, the real food-lover’s paradise. Have fun!

So, are you ready to start your food tour at Mercado del Rio? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Like the story? Take a second to support Medellin Living on Patreon!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Whether you want to bring a tattooed souvenir from your trip to Medellin or to get that tattoo you wanted a long time ago, the Medellin Tattoo Expo is the perfect opportunity to get some new ink. 

Does this sound like something you might like? Then keep on reading to know how to prepare for and what to expect at Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022!

An Overview of Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022

The Medellín Tattoo Expo is an annual cultural exhibition created in 2010. Over the course of three days, famous tattooists of national and international stature gather to demonstrate their skills in tattoo competitions. 

At the event, attendees can enjoy other events such as:

• Live painting
• Graffiti contest and gallery
• Breakdance battle
• Live music performances
• Miss & Mister tattoo event
• Art fusion (two artists on the same canvas)

The goal of the event is to bring together ink and art lovers to show the world their talent and promote local art.

This is also a place where you can get a spontaneous tattoo or buy some merchandise from your favorite tattoo studio.

Getting Your Tickets and How to Get There

The event takes place every year in the yellow pavilion of Plaza Mayor, one of the city’s largest and most important convention centers.

One of the benefits of Plaza Mayor is its generous amount of parking lots in case you’re planning to drive there. 

However, the quickest way to get there is by taking the metro. All you have to do is get to the Alpujarra or Exposiciones stations; both are a few minutes from the convention center. You can also take other means of transport such as Metroplus, and bike.

Once you arrive, you can buy your tickets at the entrance of the pavilion or purchase them on the Plaza Mayor website.

Usually, the tickets for events that take place in Plaza Mayor are very budget-friendly. But, keep in mind that once you enter the pavilion, you won’t be able to leave unless you want to pay for two tickets.

Website:https://plazamayor.com.co/eventos/expotatuajemedellin-2022/

Instagram: @expotatuajemedellin

Address: Cra. 57 # 41-81, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia

Tattoo Artists at the Expo

The Medellin Tattoo Expo brings Latin American, American, and Canadian artists together. In other words, you can find different techniques and styles from the best and most recognized tattoo artists.

Some of the styles you’ll find at the event, which is also categories of the tattoo contest, are:

• Lettering
• Oriental
• Freehand
• Color realism
• Old school
• New school
• Dotwork
• Art fusion
• Minimalist
• Shadow realism
• Neotraditional

When you enter the convention, you’ll have hundreds of booths to choose from. Then, it’s up to you to find your favorite style and design to get tattooed, or just stroll through the convention halls and enjoy the artistic and chill vibe.

Keep in mind that if you want a more detailed tattoo, you should schedule an appointment with the artist beforehand. However, if what you want is some last-minute ink, you can try getting a tattoo with an international artist who doesn’t have many clients or appointments. 

I also recommend you regularly keep an eye on the Medellin Tattoo Expo social networks since that’s where they publish artists who need volunteers to be a canvas. While you won’t get to pick the tattoo, it’s a great way to get some free ink!

Art Galleries, Live Painting, and Music Performances

The Medellin Tattoo Expo is also a place to enjoy other events such as painting exhibitions, dance shows, and other activities. 

For instance, at this year’s expo, there was a collaborative piece of graffiti, where 6 professional artists created a blend of urban and traditional styles. Apparently, the process takes the entire 3 days of the expo!

The goal of the graffiti piece is to show each day’s progress and to teach the public a little about the proper techniques to use paint sprays.

Another interesting part of the expo is the wide variety of DJs and artists that will lift your spirits with their many different music genres.

The Medellin Tattoo Expo also offers workshops for those who wish to learn more about the different categories of tattoos. If you want to know which workshops will be held for the expo, you should keep an eye on the event’s social media.

You can’t miss the old school and realism workshop. Just remember that the seats are limited, so make sure you get to the workshop place in advance. Some of the topics to be addressed in the workshop are:

1. Theory
2. Materials 
3. Live tattoo
4. Personal questions

Tips for Enjoying Medellin Tattoo Expo

If you’re spending all day (or all three days) at the convention, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Take everything you need to spend the day without leaving the pavilion (to avoid having to pay for re-entry). 
• There are places to buy something to eat or drink, but you can also bring some snacks with you.
• If you want to get tattooed at the event, you should schedule an appointment with the artist in advance. 
• If you want a small tattoo, make sure you have the image handy. 
• If you want to be a canvas for an artist, you must schedule an appointment in advance. Usually, they’ll give you very good discounts since you won’t choose the design. 

Get Some New Ink at the Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022

Whether you want to get a new tattoo or just spend the day admiring national and international artists’ interesting works of art, Medellin Tattoo Expo 2022 is an event that you should check out.

Are you thinking of getting a new tattoo? What’s your favorite style? Let us know in the comments!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

To commemorate this important part of Colombian culture, the city of Medellin hosts a flower festival every year. The festival celebrates the history of flower farming in the country and the importance of this crop.

If you’re visiting Medellín this summer, you can’t miss the 2022 Flower festival. Read on to learn all about this popular festival that takes place every year in Medellin!

What is the Flower Festival?

The first flower festival, or Feria de Flores, was held in 1957, and as you can imagine, it was not as spectacular as the current annual fairs. 

The event aimed to celebrate the trade of the silleteros, peasants who carried a silleta (big wooden boards adorned with flowers) on their backs. Although these silletas are mostly for show today, they were once an important part of gathering and harvesting flowers. 

Anyone who dares to carry one of these silletas -which can weigh up to 140 lbs- is called a silletero. At the time of the first flower festival, only 40 silleteros participated. However, the fair was so successful that today it’s grown into a huge national event and is one of the oldest traditions of the city.

You’ll find things like concerts, parades, and local vendors selling wares at the fair. The flower festival was not held for three years (thanks to Covid-19), so this year will be a big party.

The 2022 Flower Festival Schedule

Luckily, we already have the confirmed time and place of each festival event. Don’t forget to consult the website of the festival beforehand, as there may be some unplanned changes.

Below are some of the most important events, however, there are many other side events that you can attend as well. 

What to Expect at the Festival

At the festival, besides the famous flower parade, you’ll find diverse concerts and tons of other activities that are great for the whole family.

Whether you want to taste all the Antioquian food in the traditional food festivals or spend the day enjoying the beautiful flower arrangements carried by the silleteros, we’re sure you’ll find something you love. 

Let’s take a closer look at a couple of the key events at the flower festival. 

Concerts

Music and dance are two major aspects of Colombian culture, and the annual flower festival is the perfect place to experience both of these activities.

You’ll find several concerts every day, all celebrating different musical genres, so you can really get a feel for a couple of different Colombian musical styles. 

Don Omar and Juan Luis Guerra will perform in the last days of the festival, but you can also see artists, such as:

• Marc Anthony
• Silvestre Dangond
• DJ Pope
• Jessi Uribe
• Pipe Pelaez
• ChocQuibTown

If you’re not already familiar with these artists’ music, head over to YouTube to check out what they’re all about!

Vasquez Building Flower Decorations

Every year the city decorates the Vazquez building, covering it from head to toe with colorful flowers. You can head inside and pose with the beautiful arrangements or snap some selfies for your Instagram.

The building’s decorations went up on August 5 and will be around until the festival ends, or even after. Since the festival sometimes lasts past the official end date, you’ll likely be able to snap some photos even a couple of days after the festival is over.

Parade of Silleteros

Although the party and the concerts are very entertaining, you can’t forget the main reason for the festival: the parade of silleteros.

On the last day of the festival (August 15) is the huge silletero parade. This is really the main attraction of the flower festival so you can’t miss it. 

Artists usually prepare months in advance to have their silletas ready to be shown to the public. The arrangements are specially designed to represent Colombian culture.

Some Tips for the 2022 Flower Festival

Before you buy your tickets, there are a couple of things to keep in mind about the Feria de las Flores. Here are some tips for attending festival events: 

• Take care of your personal belongings. Leave your valuables behind and pack light to avoid pickpockets or losing anything important.
• It’s important to hydrate, so make sure to bring a bottle of water. You can purchase these while you’re out as well, but expect prices to be hiked up for the festival.
• Wear lots of sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and long-sleeved T-shirts to prevent sunburn.

With these tips in mind, you’re ready to spend a day at the festival!

Get Ready for the Medellin Flower Festival

Now that you know about the festival’s schedules, events, and history, you’re ready to attend the 2022 Medellin Flower Festival. 

This is an unforgettable experience that will teach you a lot about Medellin and Colombian culture.

Like the story? Take a second to support Medellin Living on Patreon!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

One of those museums is the Pedro Nel Gomez House Museum. This is a place dedicated to keeping alive the life and work of this renowned Colombian artist. 

Does this sound like something you might like to check out? Then keep reading to learn more about the Pedro Nel Gomez House Museum!

Getting to the House Museum

The quickest way to get to the house museum is by taking a taxi or uber that will drop you directly at the museum. You can also take the metro line A and get off at the Universidades station.

Then take one of these two buses from the station:

• 022
• 023

However, if you don’t mind a short stroll (about 15 minutes), you can walk from the metro and give yourself a chance to explore the Aranjuez neighborhood. 

You’ll pass by some of the other popular tourist spots in Medellin, such as the botanical garden Joaquin Antonio Uribe, Parque Explora, Parque de Los Deseos, and the Parque Norte.

Once you arrive at the museum, you’ll need about an hour to go through the exhibits. Afterward, you can enjoy one of the libraries or seating areas around the outside of the building. Or, head back the way you came from to check out one of the aforementioned tourist spots.

Inside the House Museum

To get into the museum, you’ll be asked to make a voluntary contribution, which is intended for the maintenance of the place and other activities such as workshops or recreational activities. It’s pay-what-you-will, so you can pick how much you’re willing to donate. 

This house museum was built in 1975 by the artist himself on one of the Aranjuez neighborhood’s surrounding hills. When he built the house, Gomez wanted to fulfill the wishes of his wife, Giuliana Scalaberni, and create a space that could be dedicated to the city of Medellín.

This engineer, sculptor, and Colombian artist did just that by leaving a legacy of hundreds of frescoes, oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, drawings, engravings, and sculptures. His art aimed to paint a picture of Colombian life, showing the country’s political, economic, and cultural landscape.

While at the museum, you find a large collection of personal belongings of the artist as well as his art. This gives you a unique look into who the artist was and what his life might have been like back in the day.

The museum features four permanent exhibits:

• Collection of fresco murals
• Studio-workshop
• Tribute exhibition to Giuliana Scalaberni
• Meeting room 

It also features temporary exhibits that change all the time. We recommend visiting the museum’s website to find out about future exhibitions, schedules, and prices.

Other Cultural Spaces

In addition to the art exhibitions, you can find a great diversity of musical and artistic groups in Medellin that use these spaces to rehearse their performances. 

The house museum also has a small library where you can find information that relates to Gomez and his art processes. Plus, there’s a small auditorium where films, documentaries, or other cultural events are shown from time to time.

Behind the building, you’ll find a small garden full of native vegetation of the region and a play area for children. You can take in the incredible views of the Antioquian mountains and the city. 

Activities and WorkShops

In addition to being home to an important part of Colombia’s cultural history, you can use these city spaces to learn something new and why not, take some of Gomez’s artistic inspiration.

Ceramics Workshop

Aimed at anyone seven years or older, this workshop teaches you the basic techniques for making ceramics. You can enroll in the ceramics initiation course or skip to the advanced group if you feel adventurous or already have some experience in the field.

This workshop is perfect for having a friendly time with new people and practicing Spanish. Just keep in mind that you must bring your own utensils to learn to sculpt, mold, and paint. 

Tango Lessons

If you enjoy dancing, you might want to check out the tango lessons at the house museum. This is a free activity and a cool way to explore a bit more of Medellín’s dancing scene.

Sewing Workshops

You can also g to know Colombia’s cultural roots through design, patronage, and haute couture at a sewing workshop! This activity is also free to the public. However, you should bring your own tools necessary to sew and design.

Yoga Lessons

The museum sometimes puts on yoga lessons, which are ideal for anyone who wants to do some mindfulness meditation. The classes are free, and you don’t need to have any prior experience.

Just bring your mat and a small towel and join in the class!

Spend a Day in Pedro Nel Gomez House Museum

The Pedro Nel Gomez House Museum is a place where you can learn more about Colombian art. Whether you want to kill some time on a rainy day or learn a new skill, this artistic corner is a Medellin must-visit that you can’t miss!

Like the story? Take a second to support Medellin Living on Patreon!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Better yet, just outside the palace is the Plaza Botero, where you can see Fernando Botero’s famous statue! The plaza and the building together make for a pretty great day of touring.

If you haven’t yet visited this place and want to know what cultural activities you can participate in, keep reading to know how to spend a day at the Palacio Cultura.

What is Palacio Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe?

As I mentioned before, the palace is located in the Plaza de Botero next to other emblematic buildings such as the Museum of Antioquia. 

You’ll also find the church of Veracruz nearby, which is another iconic site that you don’t want to miss.

The Palacio Cultura has unique gothic features, such as a profiled dome in German steel and an exterior decorated with a black and white checkered pattern. 

The building’s construction began in 1925 thanks to the design of the Belgian architect Agustin Goovaerts. However, the original design was never completed. The design and size were modified in favor of the current cultural palace of Medellin

If you were wondering how the building got its name, this is a tribute to Rafael Uribe Uribe, a prominent national leader who contributed to the rights of Colombian workers and international relations. 

Due to this, on the first floor of the palace, you’ll find a permanent exhibition about his life and works.

Other important exhibits that you can visit in this place are:

• Departmental Library Carlos Castro Saavedra
• Musical Documentation Center
• Artistic heritage room
• Music Documentation Center Hernan Restrepo Duque
• Dance studio 
• Permanent and temporary art galleries

Plus, access to this national heritage is totally free, so there’s no excuse not to visit it!

How to Get There

Being in the center of the city, it’s very easy to get there by just about any means of transportation. 

I recommend that you take the metro to get there. It’s easy—just take route A and get off at Parque Berrio station. 

You can also take these bus routes to get there:

• 130
• 130A
• 135

You can also drive there, but if you’re staying nearby, this could be an opportunity to get some exercise and rent a bike from the EnCicla system.

Address: Carrera 51 # 52-01 Medellín, Antioquia.

What to Expect at the Museum

The mission of the Palacio Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe is to encourage interest in art and culture, so you can find many free activities where you’ll learn something new. 

Here’s a closer look at all the things you can do inside the palace.

Cinema

For one thing, there’s a cinema inside the museum. The popular dome serves as an auditorium for screening films, documentaries, animated shorts, and other artistic films. Most of these aren’t what you’ll find at Cine Colombia but are instead indie movies you won’t catch anywhere else. 

If you want to know the schedules and the films that will be screened, you can look on the website. Or, you can go to the palace to get a monthly movie schedule with the information.

This is one of the lesser-known movie theaters in Medellin and is definitely a unique place to check out!

Workshops

From time to time, some universities and academic organizations hold free workshops on various topics related to art or applied sciences. It’s a great opportunity to learn something new from professionals from a wide variety of fields.

A few they’ve done in the past include talking about cinema and film. These workshops are pretty cool for getting a closer look at film in Medellín and Colombia in general.

Dance and Music Performances

Usually, you’ll find dance shows or live music during Medellin holidays such as holy week and Christmas. However, at some times of the year (usually in April and May), dance festivals are held throughout the city, including the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture. 

For instance, there’s the Si Danza festival, where you can see folkloric ballet shows, classical, contemporary dance, and many more. If you know one of these festivals is coming up, be sure to check the palace’s schedule!

Plays

Just like dance shows, there are sometimes plays that are held in the palace. Most of these are free, too, so you can spend the evening enjoying a good play without paying a dime.

Take a Walk Through the Galleries

Now, if you want to stroll through the corridors and galleries of the palace, you’ll find many fine art exhibitions, such as paintings and sculptures of popular Colombian contemporary artists. 

After spending some time admiring and learning from Colombian art, you can take a short break on the upper plaza on the roof. 

Don’t forget to visit the small chapel and enjoy the beautiful views of the palace and Plaza de Botero! In the plaza, you’ll also find people vending snacks, desserts, and fruits, so you can grab a quick snack. You can even buy a souvenir to boast about your trip to the Cultural Palace of Medellin.

Spend a Day Enjoying the Culture of Antioquia

Without a doubt, the Palacio Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe is a must-visit in Medellin, don’t miss this national monument full of Colombian history!

Whether you plan to spend a day or a few days there, it’s definitely worth paying the place a visit.

Like the story? Take a second to support Medellin Living on Patreon!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Whether you’ve already been to a circus and loved it or you want to try something totally different, this is the place to go.

So, are you ready to watch the show while eating some popcorn? Then keep on reading to know all about Medellin Circus!

An Overview of Medellin Circus

Founded in 2008 by the renowned mime-clown Carlos Alvarez, this place aims to bring together live music with circus shows of optical illusion, manipulation of objects, and colorful costumes. 

This circus is dedicated to promoting art and entertainment spaces for the whole family and youth of Medellin. They offer shows of international stature and semilleros in which children participate and learn to express themselves and act in small theatrical courses.

Plus, attending this circus means that you’re helping to fulfill the dreams of many Medellin artists who dedicate their lives to the circus.

How to Get There

The circus is located on Cerro Nutibara, just around the corner from the Laureles neighborhood, so you can walk there from your hotel or Airbnb. 

Without a doubt, the fastest way to get there is by taking the metro. To do so, take the A line and get off at the Exposiciones station. Then you’ll have to walk about seven minutes to get there. 

If you want to travel by bus, just take one of these routes:

• 1811
• 313
• M 30-1
• T4 019

On the other hand, if you’re driving, there’s a public parking lot at the circus. You’ll have to pay for it, but it won’t cost you very much.

Where to Get Your Tickets

You can get your tickets for the show an hour before starting. You just have to go to the ticket booth of the circus. Just keep in mind that the only way to pay is cash, so make sure you have some on hand. 

You can also buy tickets online, but the site tends to be a bit glitchy. It also doesn’t always work with foreign credit cards, so cash is still the best option.

The prices are very reasonable and if your kids are three to four years old, you get a discount on their tickets. 

For children under three, the tickets are totally free. We’d recommend arriving a little earlier than normal, as you can get front-row seats if you’re among the first in the waiting line.

What to Expect

So, what can you see at the Medellín Circus?

Well, for one thing, you can expect to see breathtaking shows with acts of contortionism, aerial dance (where the artist performs stunts in the air supported by one or more pieces of silk), juggling, hula-hooping, and interactive shows with the audience.

All of this is accompanied by live music, sound and light effects, and bright and colorful costumes.

Don’t forget to buy a snack to enjoy the show with a full stomach! You’ll find candy apples popcorn, churros, and tons of other treats.

Clown Shows

In a two-hour show, you can meet Caliche Cachivache, a homeless clown who searches through garbage cans and tells his story in a mime-clown show and silent theater.  

Lover of junk and always willing to make his audience laugh, you’ll find this show an opportunity to understand art from another point of view and learn how to treat other people in a better way.

Then, you’ll enjoy the Ilussion show, where you’ll see incredible gymnasts stretch and contort in ways you didn’t think were possible.

Last but not least, you’ll have a medley of puppet shows, ventriloquist, hula-hooping, balancing, and plays.

Comparsa Fantasía Circense

These are small outdoor art shows with live music, juggling, rhythmic gymnastics, and more. You can usually take part in one of these small festivals near Cerro Nutibara or some other festivities in public places of Medellin such as theaters or parks.

Carnival

If you want to take part in a circus carnival, you should check the website beforehand to know where and when it will be held. It’s the best option to take your family and spend an evening in the fair games.

Clowns, fortune tellers, and gymnasts all show up to this event. It’s not quite a formal show, but is a great way to check out some unique artists’ performances for an afternoon. 

Celebrating an Event at the Circus

You can actually celebrate your birthday (or make an on-stage proposal) at the circus. Whether you want to have a children’s party, or just want to get together with a group of friends, it’s a nice alternative way to celebrate.

Birthday parties are held in a small tent near the main one. There, you have a private space to celebrate prior to the show.

The cherry-on-top for these events is the surprise show by gymnasts and circus clowns. They’ll come to your tent and do a private show that really makes you feel special. 

Have Some Fun at the Medellín Circus

Going to the circus has never been so exciting, especially when you know you’re supporting paisa art. Now that you know everything you need to spend the afternoon at the Medellin Circus, why not head over there and get somet ickets?

Like the story? Take a second to support Medellin Living on Patreon!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

When I go somewhere new I love trying out different breweries, especially craft breweries. There’s something about them that really gives you a feel for the culture and flavors of a city. 

If you’re like me and want to know where to grab a good pint in Medellin, keep reading. Delve into the world of local drinks and learn a little about breweries in this city and the variety of drinks they offer!

Metropole Beer Lab

Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Known as the “Craft Beer Corner”, this place located in the Manila neighborhood offers craft beers from around the world. They also have local beers, which you can get on tap or in bottles. 

The best thing about Metropole is its beer sampler. The sampler features four small glasses of beer, which are perfect if you want to try a few different things. 

There’s more than just beer there, too; this small two-story place has an industrial style and a cozy atmosphere. They have a good pizza menu, too, so if you want to pair your beer with something, you can. 

Cerveceria Maestre

Courtesy of Minube

Known as the first Brewpub in El Poblado, in the south of Medellin, this place began operating in 2017, offering fresh draft beer and lots of rock!

Here, you can order beer in a glass, liter, or pitcher, and you can choose between:

• Hoppy amber
• Bitter
• Hazy IPA
• STOUT
• Irish Red
• The Putas Double IPA

Also, you have lots of snack options to accompany a good beer drink such as empanadas and chicken pies.

Within Ceveceria Maestre’s own offerings, there are three beers: one black, one blonde, and one amber. Each varies in flavor and alcohol content.

If you don’t know what to order, you can also ask for a sampler to help you decide for the next round!

20 Mission Cerveza y Gastropub

20Mission is a craft beer factory that serves nine of its own beers. The beer is so good that they’ve made it onto the menu of great restaurants in Medellin such as OCI and Carmen.

This brewery is located in Barrio Colombia, an area between El Poblado and Ciudad del Rio, and offers a gastropub setting. There, you can enjoy the best of these craft alcoholic beverages accompanied by main dishes and gourmet food.

The place is a great combination of vintage, rustic and industrial, and also has a stage where live performances or tributes to some artists are often held.

You can also attend a beer tasting with or without pairing by reserving a quota so that you learn a little about the beer theme and enjoy your decisions better!

Cervecería Libre

Cerveceria Libre has two pubs where you can enjoy great caft beer: one in Manila and the other in Barrio Colombia, both in the south central part of Medellín.

This brewery offers a variety of tap beers, having three core beers and several other seasonal ones. A few of their brews include: 

• Libre IPA
• Libre Pasion
• Libre Oat Milk Stout
• Hakuna Melosa
• Lardy Hazy IPA

Likewise, in these pubs, you can enjoy your craft drinks with live music and some snacks.

Cerveceria Libre is a pretty bare-bones place in terms of decor. But, that just helps not to distract from the great beer!

This brewery has been awarded national and international prizes at craft beer festivals. If that’s not enough of a reason to order a beer from them I don’t know what is!

Bipolar Brewing

Courtesy of For Medellin Lovers

Bipolar is a slightly different brewery due to the design of its spaces and its modernity. While most of the other breweries on this list are vintage or industrial, this one definitely has a modern design. 

Bipolar Brewing has 15 beers on tap, including:

• Red IPA
• German Pils
• Cali common
• Wheat Beer

In addition, there are beers that they call “star beers”. These are their most recommended beers, and include:

• Coco Porter
• Body Soul
• Heaven Hell
• Pleasure Pain

Bipolar Brewing launched a “Low Gravity” line that offers drinks with a lower percentage of alcohol that are balanced and easy to drink, even if you don’t like strong beverages.

Colombia Craft Brewing Company

Courtesy of Cartagena Explorer

This brewery proclaims itself as the best craft beer in Colombia. In fact, it’s an internationally recognized brewery. 

This place offers beers on tap, and they have cans for takeaway beers if you’d rather drink your brews at home. 

This place is located in El Poblado and is distinguished by an environment full of lights and neon colors. There are both indoor areas and outdoor spaces, so you can take your pick of where to chill out with a beer.

For those who still don’t know much about beer but want to choose a favorite, you can order a tasting paddle. This is a sampler of a few different beers from the brewery. 

Visit a Craft Brewery in Medellin

Medellin might be famous for things like hikes and rides on the metro cables, but it’s also home to some great breweries.

And, there’s a wide range of these types of breweries around the city. So, whether you’re looking for a new hang out spot or you just want to try some new beer, check out a couple of these places.

Let us know your own favorite breweries around Medellin in the comments!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Speaking of museums, if you love strolling through galleries and taking in some culture, then you have to check out the Museo de Antioquia.

This is a place where you can delve into the art and history of the paisas and check out exhibits of works by world-class artists such as Fernando Botero.

Keep reading to learn a little more about this museum and read what to expect on your next visit.

The Beginnings of the Museum

The Museo de Antioquia began its operations in November 1881, with many ups and downs, crises, closures, and reopenings under the name of Zea Museum. 

The museum was recognized then as the first in Antioquia and the second in Colombia, but it wasn’t until the support of Fernando Botero that this place began to grow and become an icon of art in Medellín. 

Notero donated a large part of his works to the museum and provided economic and artistic support by moving it to a new location in the old Municipal Palace in 2000 under the current name, Museo de Antioquia.

This museum is in downtown Medellin, right in front of the iconic and tourist Plaza Botero, where you’ll also be able to see the 23 exhibits “Gordas de Botero” before entering.

What You’ll Find in the Museo de Antioquia

Inside this museum, recognized as an Architectural Heritage of Colombia, both the environment and exhibitions are about giving relevance to the city’s heritage through art.

In the Museo de Antioquia, you’ll find drawings, paintings, sculptures, and objects with historical value. A few examples include ceramics, indigenous goldwork, and even ancient weapons.

You’ll also see permanent works by local artists such as Debora Arango and Pedro Nel Gomez. And of course, you’ll notice the largest collection of Fernando Botero works which boasts more than five thousand artistic pieces.

If you aren’t proficient in Spanish, note that some of these works have descriptions in English. That way, visitors from all over the world can read them.

The museum has twelve rooms open to the public which are spread out over three floors and two wings. The rooms are: 

• Fernando Botero Donation Room: This features the best of Fernando Botero.
• International Art Room: This room features modern and contemporary art at an international level.
• Extensions to the Story of Art in Antioquia: This is an extension of the permanent exhibition from the end of the 19th century until the middle of the 20th century. It deals with the history and important events of the Antioquians as exhibited by ancient and contemporary artists.
• Promises of Modernity Room: This exhibition addresses the period from 1950 to 1999 and the entire history of cultural development in Medellin.
• Decolonial Dialogues Room. The Persistence of Dogma: This room contains works and documents from the pre-Columbian period.
• Intercultural Dialogues Clay Has a Voice: This room features ceramics from different time periods and origins.

Museo de Antioquia also has souvenir shops, handicrafts, and replica pieces that you can check out after you tour the museum.

What Are the Prices in the Museum?

Regarding prices, the rates for visitors depend on who is spending time at the museum.

There’s a standard price for national visitors and another for foreign visitors. National visitors get a slight discount for being locals. 

On top of that, the entrance is free for people of strata 1, 2, and 3. These are the three lowest financial classes in Medellin.

Students get lower discounts if they present their student ID card.

There are also special group discounts. Groups with a minimum of 5 people have a special rate per person, whether they’re national visitors or foreigners.

You can also hire guided tours and bilingual guides 48 hours in advance. This comes with an extra fee, however.

Botero’s Influence on the Museo de Antioquia

The aforementioned Fernando Botero is a paisa painter, sculptor, and draftsman currently residing in Italy. He began donating his works in 1976 when he gifted seven oil paintings, a pastel, and two watercolors to the Museum.

In 2000, he donated another 114 paintings and 21 works by international artists from his collection to the Museo de Antioquia. And, that’s all not to mention the 23 sculptures in Plaza Botero.

Botero has his own room within the museum that houses all his world-renowned works with his unique voluminous characters. These characters recreate the everyday lifestyle in Colombia, representing the country’s history, religion, and culture.

His last donation so far was the series El Viacrucis in 2012.

How to Get to the Museum of Antioquia

The Museum is in an area full of things to see. Nearby you’ll find the Plaza Botero, the Palace of Culture, the Parque de Berrio, and the Nutibara Hotel.

However, the surroundings of these places seem to be a bit unsafe and sometimes generate a bit of fear for tourists.

Despite what they may seem, however, the area is pretty harmless.

If you want to take a walk through the different parts of the city center and kill a few birds with one stone on your way to the museum, you can use the metro system and get off at the Parque Berrio station.

Then, you’ll walk for five-ten minutes, passing through a plaza featuring some of Botero’s sculptures. At the end of the walk, you’ll arrive at the museum.

Keep in mind that it’s a commercial area full of many people, and sellers of all kinds of products, offering instant photos, fruits, and souvenirs. 

You may want to plan to stop and pick up a couple of trinkets to take back home.

You’ll also find police security in these main squares, but this doesn’t mean you can stop being vigilant and taking care of your belongings. For example, it’s better to take a selfie than to ask anyone to take a picture of you in this area.

On the other hand, if you don’t feel safe with this self-guided tour, you can also take a taxi or use a rideshare app to get right up to the entrance.

Visit the Museum of Antioquia

Seeing as this place houses a lot of history and art associated with the national and Antioquian heritage, it’s a great place to go if you want to see and understand what Medellin is today.

You’ll be delighted with works by local and international artists in a historic building in the center of the city. Plus, you’ll get a chance to check out more of the famous and traditional works of Botero, an icon of Paisa art.

Already been to the Museum of Antioquia? Let us know in the comments what you thought!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.

Moreover, you might not find these products in your home country or other destinations as easily as in Colombia, which is the second most bio-diverse country in the world.

Does this sound like something that interests you?

Find out what the exotic fruits tour is all about and what you can expect from this popular activity in Medellin.

What is the Exotic Fruits Tour?

The fruits and vegetables of Medellin, and Colombia in general, are very diverse.

And, if you really want to experience all those fruits, you should really try taking an exotic fruits tour!

The Exotic Fruits Tour, which is run by Real City Tours, consists of a walk through the main markets and squares that sell fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and other products.

The tour includes a tasting of more than ten different exotic fruits. It also teaches you their names in both English and Spanish and walks you through how each one is grown. 

You’ll even learn how to tell when each fruit is ripe or not and discuss the nutritional value of each fruit.

At the end of the tour, each person chooses the fruit they like best and drinks their juice in Don Rigo’s “Smoothie Bar”!

Of course, the tour’s suitable for vegetarians and vegans!

How to Take the Exotic Fruit Tour

The tour takes place every day at 9:30 in the morning and lasts between two and a half and three hours.

The tour is in English, and booking is a requirement since the spots fill up very quickly. However, you don’t need to pay before the activity.

So, if you have to cancel for some reason, you won’t have to worry about losing a deposit.

In terms of the price of the tour, the fee is pretty affordable considering the fact that you get to try new fruits. And, the smoothie at the end won’t blow your budget either. 

However, carry more cash if you want to take some fruit home to your friends or have some to eat later on during your stay!

The History of the Plaza Minorista de Medellín 

The Exotic Fruits Tour takes place in Plaza Minorista, the main market for fruits, vegetables, groceries, and other key items in the family basket in Medellin. 

It’s stocked every morning with the freshest fruits and veggies that come in from the fields.

Since the 1800s, plazas and outdoor markets have been a big part of local culture in Medellin. These types of markets first began popping up thanks to the traditions the Spaniards brought to Latin America. 

The first plaza in the city opened in Plaza de Flores, in the Buenos Aires neighborhood. 

Ever since then, these plazas have become important social and cultural traditions, as well as key places for locals to pick up their produce for the week. 

Plaza Minorista is a market that’s been around for quite a while. It was established back in the early 80s to help remove vendors from the street and keep them in an organized area.

Despite its long history, the market has kept up its hustle and bustle. There are more than 2,500 stalls in the market for locals to shop for everything they need for the home.

Trying Exotic Fruits on One of the City’s Best Tours

During your tour, you’ll get a chance to try tons of different types of fruits. Most tours allow you to sample about fifteen different fruits, although you might get lucky and get some freebies thrown in!

Among the most exotic fruits you’ll try on your tour are:

• Lulo
• Tree tomato
• Chontaduro
• Fig
• Soursop
• Guava
• Sapodilla
• Passion fruit
• Algarrobo
• Gooseberries
• Pitaya
• Granadilla
• Mamoncillo
• Borojó 

You’ll have to try them for yourself to see which ones you like and which you don’t mind skipping!

The plaza is a safe place to visit and is an excellent place to buy and try everything that the Antioquian lands have to offer. The plaza spans a whole two floors, so you won’t miss anything either! 

Still, this market is in the heart of the city, and its surroundings tend to be somewhat dangerous. So, it’s better to take safety precautions.

Other Things to Discover on the Tour

Exotic fruits aren’t the only things to see and taste in Plaza Minorista; there are hundreds of other items to check out and foods to try.

For example, there are vendors selling medicinal herbs, plants, essences, candles, and all kinds of spiritual items. 

In another section, you’ll see enormous blocks of cheese displayed in glass showcases or spread out over tables. And, there are even vendors selling used clothes.

This market is also famous for its cheap, tasty, and traditional food. If you stay in the plaza after the tour for lunch, try some fish sancocho or a bandeja paisa made with fresh ingredients and lots of seasoning!

Enjoy the Exotic Fruit Tour in Medellin

This Exotic Fruit Tour is an unmissable tour in Medellin that promises to show you a lot of new flavors and teach you something new.

In taking it, you’ll visit the biggest market in the city and catch a glimpse of the most delicious facet of culture: food! 

The market is full of offers of meat, fish, cheese, groceries, vegetables, and prepared food. Who knows when you’ll get to try all of it again!

Let us know in the comments if you’ve already taken this tour and what you thought of it!

_____________

Did you enjoy this post? Support Medellin Living by making a small donation, and get access to special benefits like priority email responses to your questions and a free copy of the Medellin Travel Guide. Click here to learn more.