The Netherlands is well-known as the land of tulips and those who’ve travelled (even if only) to Schiphol Airport before are sure to have seen the many tulips and tulip memorabilia for sale.
Having lived in the country for more than 2 years now I decided that it was about time to see one of the most famous parades – the Bulb Flower Parade or Bloemencorso Bollenstreek. This fantastic event is spoken about by many locals and internationals alike. And even if you’re on holiday in the Netherlands during April be sure to visit it too as it would most definitely be a highlight of any trip here.
The flower floats stop at various towns (Keukenhof being the most well-renown stop for flower lovers of course). Instead, we decided to opt for the small and relatively unknown town of Hillegom to observe the Bloemencorso (less crowds and a great parking spot right in the town centre too!).
The Bloemencorso Bollenstreek or Bulb Flower Parade takes place annually in the Netherlands and various companies and organizations partake in it. Participants are ‘poking’ the bulbs of flowers into the float days before the actual event occurs. You can even go and view the entire float-making process in a place called Klinkenberghal.
The floats are truly spectacular and entertaining for the entire family. You can see really original and creative designs – everything from animals, fashion to famous caricatures (yes, that’s Angry Birds in the first photo below!).
The vibe at the Bloemencorso is fabulous; music blares from some of the floats and people in costumes dance about as the crowd ooh and ahhs at each float that passes.
And there’s even a marching band or two preferring to keep their feet on solid ground.
My absolute favourite float at the Bloemencorso this year was this one below…the famous blue and white Dutch kissing cartoon characters.
This kissing couple was even accompanied by red tulips and some blue and white Delftware – classic symbols of Holland.
Be sure to check out the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek website for information about next year’s float and where to catch all the action.
Elizabeth Joss-Bethlehem
Elizabeth Joss-Bethlehem is the founder and main writer at The Museum Times. She works as a university lecturer by day and is an avid travel blogger and arts and culture enthusiast by night. Elizabeth started The Museum Times out of the need to give smaller, lesser-known museums more exposure.
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