Bollenstreek’s Petal Party: A Breathtaking Day Trip to the Flower Parade

Embarking on a Colorful Day Trip

If you’re looking for a colorful and exciting day trip that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Dutch culture, look no further than the annual Flower Parade. This event, deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the Netherlands, takes place in the heart of the Bulb area Bollenstreek.

We were lucky enough to experience this incredible extravaganza ourselves, and it was truly a feast for the senses. The festivities spanned four glorious days, in April and left us breathless with wonder at the beauty of nature.

Setting Out: The Journey from Schiphol to Sassenheim

16-minute train journey | Stops: Schiphol – Hoofddorp – Nieuw Vennep – Sassenheim

Schiphol Airport Train Station, located directly below the terminal building

Our adventure began with a short train ride from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Sassenheim station. The journey, though only sixteen minutes, offered glimpses of the serene Dutch landscape that teased our anticipation for the upcoming floral spectacle. From there, we hopped on the number 385 bus, which whisked us away to Tennis Hall.

Exploring the Venue: Tennis Hall’s Rich History

Tennis Hall, situated in Sassenheim, Netherlands, has a rich history tied to the renowned Van Zyverden company. For many years, this hall has been owned and utilized by the company, which has been a major player in the flower bulb industry for over a century. Van Zyverden is one of the largest wholesale distributors of flower bulbs in the United States, shipping over 450 million bulbs and plants annually across the U.S. and Canada.

Previously, the floats for the annual Flower Parade were crafted and adorned within a hall in the heart of Lisse. However, the company’s growth and expansion led to the establishment of additional facilities, including those in Sassenheim, Holland, and Burlington, Washington, with a combined size of over 500,000 square feet.

From August through early January-February, Van Zyverden is busy exporting Dutch-grown bulbs. In the off-season, they transform their halls, including the Tennis Hall, for other uses – in this case, as an indoor tennis court.

To protect the tennis courts underneath, the entire floor of the hall is covered with white plastic coated paper, also known as milk paper, as it is used for packaging dairy products. This innovative use of space allows the Van Zyverden company to make the most of its facilities while also contributing to the local community and cultural events like the Flower Parade.

The Artistry Unveiled: Behind-the-Scenes Float Construction

That’s where the magic started: we got to witness the first steps of float construction for Bloemencorso 2023, also known as the Flower Parade, a spectacular event that traditionally takes place on the third Saturday of April almost every year. As soon as we stepped inside, we were immediately immersed in a world of wonder and creativity. The floats, which were still works of art in progress, were being meticulously crafted and adorned with a stunning array of vibrant flowers, showcasing the incredible skill and dedication of the artists and volunteers involved.

The captivating atmosphere and the delightful fragrance of fresh blossoms filled the air, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all who were present.

Hands-on Experience: Meeting the Artisans and Trying Our Hand

The experience only got better from there – not only did we get the opportunity to meet some of the skilled artisans behind the scenes, like Mario, Hans, and Paul, but we also gained valuable insight into the intricate process of float decoration. With their expert guidance and warm enthusiasm, we learned how to attach flowers to the floats and got to try our hand at it ourselves, truly immersing ourselves in the creative process.

Our favorite float was the 825th Anniversary Lisse, a stunning and elaborate tribute to the rich history of the region. We spent a mesmerizing 20 minutes carefully adorning the float with white hyacinths, guided by Paul’s patient and knowledgeable instruction. As we worked together with our fellow participants, we marveled at the sense of camaraderie and shared passion that brought people from all walks of life together in the pursuit of artistic expression. It was an unforgettable experience that left us feeling inspired and grateful for the opportunity to take part in such a special and cherished tradition.

A Royal Encounter: Queen Maxima’s Visit

Adding to the magic of the Flower Parade was a delightful surprise: an unexpected visit from Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, her first in nearly a decade to this cherished event. We were among the lucky few who got to see her entourage, which included distinguished guests and dignitaries, as well as the talented dance performance team that had been specially assembled to perform just for her.

The queen’s presence added an extra layer of enchantment to an already magical event.

Celebrating Creativity: Live Performances and Community Spirit

For two days, the float construction crew was treated to an amazing array of live performances by some seriously talented musicians, including the likes of Ronald de Lijzer and Martin Witteman.

The energy was infectious, and it felt like a true celebration of creativity and community spirit. It was an experience we’ll never forget – who knew float-building could be such a party?

Conversing with the Floral Mastermind: Behind Keukenhof’s Float Designs

While exploring the other floats, we had the extraordinary opportunity to converse with the creative genius responsible for the design of the Keukenhof float.

He gave us with an insider’s perspective on the design process, elaborating on the stages of conceptualization and his methods of generating fresh ideas every year. This often involves integrating current themes and trends into the designs.

We were amazed to discover that these gorgeous creations can cost up to €14,000 each – a true testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of the designers and craftsmen involved. It was a fascinating glimpse into the artistry, engineering, and collaboration that goes into making each float a unique masterpiece.

To our delight, we also learned about the extensive planning and coordination required to ensure the smooth execution of the Flower Parade. This included liaising with growers, ensuring the flowers’ freshness and quality, and coordinating with a diverse team of professionals such as welders, carpenters, and florists. Furthermore, we discovered that numerous volunteers contribute their time and energy to bring these magnificent floats to life, showcasing a strong sense of community involvement and pride in this beloved annual event.

A Beehive of Activity: The Bustling Scene at Tennis Hall

Tennis Hall had quickly been transformed into a hive of activity, with sixteen breathtaking floats under construction – most of them consisting of two parts. It was a true spectacle to behold, as artisans and volunteers worked tirelessly, sharing their enthusiasm and camaraderie.

But there was more to the Flower Parade than just beauty – we also learned about the importance of sustainability in the construction and de-construction process of the floats.

During our visit, we discovered that environmentally friendly practices were integrated into various aspects of the event. This included using locally sourced materials, repurposing and recycling elements of the floats where possible, and implementing innovative techniques to minimize waste. Furthermore, we were informed about the efforts made to encourage public transport usage and reduce carbon emissions by limiting the use of private vehicles during the event.

In addition to sustainability, the Flower Parade also emphasized the significance of preserving and promoting local culture, heritage, and horticultural traditions.

Through captivating themes and intricate designs, the floats showcased the rich history and diverse stories of the region, inspiring a sense of pride and unity among the community members and visitors alike.

Sampling Local Delights: A Visit to the Tennis Hall Café

As the afternoon wore on, we found ourselves drawn to the small café in Tennis Hall, where its friendly host recommended we try the local specialty: Stroopwaffle. We were not disappointed – it was a delicious treat that we’ll be craving for a long time to come. Accompanied by a warm cup of tea, it was the perfect way to recharge our energy amidst the bustling preparations.

After savoring every bite, we spent some time chatting with the locals, who shared with us their insights about the Flower Parade, as well as stories and anecdotes from previous years. We learned about the significance of the event for the community and the immense pride and dedication that goes into organizing and participating in this annual celebration.

Soaking up the festive atmosphere, we also noticed families and groups of friends enjoying the event together, capturing the spirit of unity and togetherness that the Flower Parade embodies. The laughter, shared excitement, and the sense of accomplishment in the air were truly contagious, making it an experience we’ll cherish for years to come.

Ending the Day: Navigating Back to Schiphol Airport

As the day wound down, we headed back to the train station, hearts full with the unforgettable memories of the Flower Parade and the warmth of the wonderful people we had met.

To board the train back to Schiphol Airport from Sassenheim Station, we needed to reach Track #2. This required us to pass under the tracks shortly before arriving at the station. It was a bit of a journey, but well worth it for the amazing experience we had just had. As we waited for our train, we couldn’t help but reminisce about the day’s events and the stunning displays of artistry and craftsmanship we had witnessed.

Boarding the train, we took our seats and gazed out the window, catching one last glimpse of the beautiful Dutch countryside, which seemed to be bidding us a fond farewell.

Parade Day: Returning to Claim Our Seats

16-minute train journey | Stops: Schiphol – Hoofddorp – Nieuw Vennep – Sassenheim

Schiphol Airport Train Station, located directly below the terminal building

On Saturday, we traveled once again from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Sassenheim Station. From there, we embarked on a 25-minute walk to our grandstand situated directly opposite Tennis Hall. We lucked out with a covered grandstand that offered protection from the elements – whether it was sunny or rainy, we were ready to enjoy the show!

Mapping Out the Day: Parade Route and Schedule

The parade was scheduled to pass by our location at 12:20pm, having started in Noordwijk and passing through Voorhout before arriving in Sassenheim. And while our part of the parade would end around 1pm, the festivities (along the route of 26 miles) would continue all the way until 9:50pm in Haarlem, showcasing the impressive dedication and spirit of the participants and organizers.

In the Midst of a Million Spectators: The Spirit of the Event

Being a part of this epic journey through the heart of Holland was thrilling. Each year, the parade draws about 1 million spectators along the route, uniting people from all walks of life in this remarkable event.

The Flower Parade does more than highlight the breathtaking beauty of the Netherlands’ bulb region – it also bears witness to the country’s rich culture and deep-seated love for tradition. The sense of camaraderie, shared excitement, and joy amongst the audience made our experience all the more unforgettable.

Pre-Parade Nostalgia: A Treat of Traditional Entertainment

Before the parade started at our grandstand location, we were treated to a rare sight: a street or barrel organ, which has become increasingly uncommon in the Netherlands. This charming instrument brought an air of nostalgia, reminding us of the rich history and traditions that are still cherished in the country.

But the entertainment didn’t stop there – soon after, a roving band parked themselves directly in front of our grandstand, filling the air with lively music and infectious energy. The band engaged the audience with their upbeat tunes, setting the mood for the day’s festivities.

It was the perfect start to a truly unforgettable parade, encapsulating the spirit of celebration and community that makes the Flower Parade such a beloved annual event.

A Petal-laden Journey: The Flower Parade of Holland

At long last, the moment we had been waiting for had arrived: the Flower Parade! At 12:20pm, the sixteen breathtaking floats we had seen under construction earlier made their way down the parade route, accompanied by local bands and other vehicles decked out in gorgeous flowers.

Although rain was forecasted, we stayed dry throughout the parade, which ended around 1pm. It was a visual feast that left us both awestruck and inspired.

Post-Parade Musings: Up-close Float Viewing and Reflections

After the parade, we made our way into Sassenheim proper, where the floats had taken a lunch pause and were open for public viewing. It was an incredible opportunity to get up close and personal with the stunning displays and capture some amazing photographs.

We spent about 45 minutes in awe of the beauty of Bloemencorso 2023, before making our way back to Sassenheim Station for our return trip to Schiphol Airport and our hotel. It was a bittersweet end to an unforgettable adventure.

Wrapping Up: Return to Sassenheim Train Station

The Flower Parade in Sassenheim was a sometimes overwhelming, yet wonderful experience from start to finish. Witnessing the construction and parade of these breathtaking flower floats was truly a sight to behold.

I would highly recommend this day trip to anyone who loves flowers and festivities. The people of the Netherlands take great pride in their cultural traditions, and we felt their warm hospitality throughout the entirety of the trip.

Cruise Port: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tour Name: Bollenstreek’s Petal Party: A Breathtaking Day Trip to the Flower Parade

Cruise Line/Ship: Holland America Rotterdam

Tour Operator: Self-Guided

© OceansAfoot