The Dutch Flower Parade
A mix of human creativity and nature’s beauty.
The Dutch Flower Parade
In the Netherlands, parades are more than just a pastime; they are a beloved tradition that brings communities together in a burst of colour, music, and creativity.
Among the many showy parades, my favourite must be the flower parade, also called: “De Bloemen Corso,” which stands out as a vibrant spectacle in many ways.
Every September in Zundert, this annual event showcases enormous wagons creatively created and covered in flowers.
What I love the most about this parade is that you never know what to expect. For instance, look at this ice bear, the winner of this year’s parade (2023).
I have only seen the flower parade live once, a memorable experience. But due to the time it takes for the wagons to navigate the parade route, it takes much more than my patience to watch it. I prefer to visit the day after the parade when they are displayed for the public to admire.
These wagons can measure up to 19 meters in length, 9 meters in height, and 4.5 meters in width.
The wagons in most parades are painted in bright colours, but the wagons in the flower parade are different. Instead of paint, thousands of fresh flowers are one by one nailed onto the wagon’s surface. On average, an astonishing 500,000 blooms adorn each wagon. The flowers of choice are mainly dahlias.
Due to the use of fresh flowers, the process is time-sensitive. The finishing touches occur just minutes before the parade begins.
As with most parades in The Netherlands, the parade isn’t just about the wagons. It is about the show, which usually includes performers, music and, in some cases, a speaker.
Here’s a glimpse into the steps involved:
1. Form a Team. There are 20 different teams involved that you can choose to join in on.
2. Pick a theme. The team chooses a theme and then designs the wagon and the rest of the show. Following rules to obey, of course.
3. Build the outline of the wagon. A sturdy frame is created using cardboard, steel wire, and papier-mâché. Mechanical features, if needed, such as moving parts or sound effects, are added.
4. Dahlias, the most used flower. These flowers are the primary decorative material for the wagon. Usually, they are ordered about a year earlier so they can be harvested in time.
5. Add Dahlias on the wagon. Dahlias are affixed to the frame using pins or glue, following a decided design and colour scheme. Every inch of the wagon must be covered in flowers.
6. Human-Powered Movement. The wagon is not powered by any machine. It is entirely human-powered along the parade route.
7. Parade Day. The team pushes it along the parade route, showcasing their hard work and creativity.
And ultimately, the judges face the tough decision of choosing a winner.
The flower parade is not just a parade. It is a mix of human creativity and nature’s beauty. A centuries-old tradition that keeps coming back year after year.
Serena
