History of the Bollenstreek Flower Parade
The Bollenstreek Flower Parade is one of the most famous and largest spring events in the Netherlands. The parade features floats completely covered with spring flowers such as hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils. Since 1947, the parade has traveled through the Bollenstreek yearly, celebrating flower cultivation and the arrival of spring.
From Past to Present:
The Bollenstreek Flower Parade existed since 1947 and has grown into an important tradition in the region. In 2021, the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek was included in the Inventory of Intangible Heritage of the Netherlands, because it is a living cultural heritage organized and maintained by generations of volunteers.
Origins After the War
The idea for the Bloemencorso emerged shortly after World War II. During this period, there was a need for optimism and festive activities. At the same time, bulb growers wanted to promote their flowers and the region.
The first initiative came from Willem Warmenhoven, an amaryllis grower from Hillegom. In 1947 Willem decorated an old truck with thousands of hyacinths and turned it into a large whale. With this eye-catching float, he drove through the villages of the Bollenstreek. The idea was an instant success, attracting a lot of attention from residents and visitors.
Following this success, several bulb-growing villages decided to organize a joint flower parade. This laid the foundation for the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek.
The First Parades
The first official parade took place in 1948. The procession consisted of several floats, decorated vehicles, and marching bands. The floats were mainly decorated with hyacinths because these flowers are sturdy and remain beautiful for a long time.
In the early years, the route passed through several villages in the Bollenstreek, including Lisse, Hillegom, and Sassenheim. The event quickly attracted many visitors and grew into an annual celebration.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Bloemencorso grew rapidly. More and more villages and organizations joined in building floats. The designs became larger and more creative, and increasingly more flowers were used.
A major boost for regional tourism came with the opening of Keukenhof in 1950. Many visitors to the park also came to see the Bloemencorso, giving the event increasing national and international recognition.
The Parade Today
Over the years, the route was adjusted and expanded. Today, the parade travels along a route of approximately 42 kilometers between Noordwijk and Haarlem, passing through various towns in the Bollenstreek.
Nowadays, the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek is one of the largest flower parades. Every year, more than a million visitors come to the region to watch the parade.
After the parade, the floats often remain on display in Haarlem for a day, allowing visitors to admire them up close. For many, the parade is the highlight of spring in the Bollenstreek.
The 79th edition of the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
