It’s that time of the year again for the Floating Flower Parade! Here is what to expect and which cities in the Netherlands will be lucky enough to enjoy this colorful spectacle.
What is the Floating Flower Parade?
The Floating Flower Parade, also known as the Varend Corso, is one of Holland’s most loved summer events. This year marks its 22nd annual celebration, and the parade spreads over the span of 3 days. During the parade, more than 50 boats are decorated with hundreds of flowers, plants, fruits, and vegetables. It’s an absolutely amazing and colorful sight to see!
The boats are then boarded by music bands, flamboyant artists, and people who are just generally having a ton of fun. During the parade, the boats pass through the canals of different cities within the Netherlands, bringing joy to whoever catches a glimpse of them.
Where and when can you attend the Floating Flower Parade?
The Floating Flower Parade visits a different city each day. Here are the routes in 2019:
August 2nd – The parade takes place between Naaldwijk, Schipluiden, and Maassluis
August 3rd – The parade takes place between The Hague, ‘s-Gravenzande and De Lier.
August 4th – The parade takes place between Naaldwijk and Delft
Tips on seeing the Floating Flower Parade
If you’re determined to see the parade this year, here are just a few tips. Firstly, make sure to get there early, if you’re going to observe the boats from your city center. The canals are packed with people and most of the time you can’t see much if you’re not all the way in the front. Secondly, try to find out the exact route of the boats! This way you may find a nice spot somewhere away from the masses of people, that is not so crowded. And thirdly, don’t forget to stock up on some cold Dutch beer! There is nothing better than enjoying the festivities of Dutch summer with a nice cold beer in hand.
Are you excited about the Floating Flower Parade? Will you go see it? Let us know in the comments below!
Feature image source: kees torn/flickr