Happy National Tulip Day from The Netherlands!
Yep, that’s right, since 2012 the Dutch have honoured one of their most iconic national symbols with its own special day. An initiative of the Dutch tulip growing industry which exports an estimated 1.7 billion stems each year, the day officially kicks off the start of the year’s tulip season.
The annual festivities center on Dam Square in Amsterdam which is transformed into a vibrant art garden comprised of around 200,000 tulips for the event. Visitors are invited to come pick their own bunch to take home. They should really call it “National Happiness Day” – what joy some colourful blooms and the excitement of spring brings. What’s more, the whole event and as many tulips as you can carry are yours free!
Got a special date, want to make someone’s day or just brighten up your home? Or perhaps looking for a fun, family-friendly event to bring the kids? The Dutch tulip industry are happy to oblige.
The tulip picking begins at around 1pm. By that time, the queue to get in is already lengthy; today it took around 45 minutes to reach the front. Get there early if you want to be one of the first inside. That said, there were still more than plenty to go round even by the time we left at 2:30pm. Be quick on the orange ones though; apparently a Dutch favourite. ;)
It was quite interesting to see how different people comprised their bouquets. Some went for a bold bunch of the same colour, some selected two or three of their favourites, while others went for a striking show of spring with an eclectic mix of everything.
Whatever the inspiration, one thing was common across all visitors. A noticeably kick in one’s step and a smile from ear to ear. Like a kid in a candy store, you’ll be wondering where to turn or what to pick next. What a lovely feeling. Life is wonderful.
National Tulip Day is held in January each year. Be sure to check the details of future National Tulip Day events on the I Amsterdam website.
Alex-Wanderlust Marriage
Wednesday 12th of February 2014
Beautiful photos guys!! Oh those Dutch tulips- for 3 and 1/2 years we lived a 5 minute walk from Dam Square, between Rokin and the Kalverstraat, in a tiny little apartment, on an alley called Taksteeg, above a cafe named Gartine.
And incredibly, we actually never went to this event!! But we enjoyed the tulip fields in the spring in the countryside :)
Cheers and keep on having fun! :)
Jessica Korteman
Sunday 16th of February 2014
Thanks, Alex! Sounds like your apartment was in a perfect location! As this event is relatively new (since 2012), you might have just missed it before you moved to Dublin. But there's always next time! Although tulip fields in the countryside sound pretty awesome too! :)
Britt Skrabanek
Saturday 8th of February 2014
So pretty! Bet it smelled awesome, too.
Jessica Korteman
Sunday 16th of February 2014
Surprisingly there wasn't so much of a fragrance despite there being thousands of them! Guess because they were still closed. But once they opened in our hotel room, it was heavenly. We left them there for the cleaning staff. Hope he or she enjoyed them!
Kathryn
Friday 7th of February 2014
I'm surprised they only started this a couple of years ago. Must be quite a sight and how lovely that's its all free! You obviously had a wonderful time :-)
Jessica Korteman
Friday 7th of February 2014
Yes, you'd think they might have capitalised on the beginning of the tulip season some time ago. But in any case, they have now started a really lovely tradition in the city that brings together locals and visitors alike in an event that anyone is free to enjoy. Is it that obvious that we totally loved it? ;)
Les Petits Pas de Juls
Monday 20th of January 2014
Such a cool moment! and so colorful! something I'm bumped to have missed... thanks for sharing!
Jessica Korteman
Monday 20th of January 2014
Thanks, Jul'. It was a lot of fun. They're now making our hotel room very colourful! :) I'm absolutely sure you'll make it there one day! :)
Sam
Sunday 19th of January 2014
How funny! I didn't know they have a special day just for Tulips! Zab has family in the Netherlands and we're hoping to spend more time there this year...though probably not until the autumn, so it'll be after the tulip season which is a shame. Looks like a fun time, though!
Jessica Korteman
Monday 20th of January 2014
We had no idea either, Sam! Really glad we came across the event listing in the back of a magazine!
Even though you won't be here in spring, there's still tonnes to see and do. Not sure if you have travelled here before but, if not, make sure you get to the Anne Frank House - one of the most memorable attractions we have ever visited.