"Bloemencorso"
The Zundert Flower Parade
Abbigail Redstreake
Abstract
The Zundert Flower Parade in the Netherlands is the largest flower corso (parade) in the world, taking place on the first Sunday of September. Starting in 1936 by protestant politician Van Ginniken to honor Queen Wilhelmina’s birthday, the parade has been passed down from generation to generation. Huge floats made of wire, papier-mâché, and cardboard are covered in thousands of dahlias specifically grown for the parade. Twenty different hamlets made entirely of volunteers create floats for the parade and each person contributes to the group in their own unique ways, creating a collaboration of various skills. This self-organized flower parade is a social event that promotes cohesion and solidarity within and without the hamlets.
The 2015 Zundert Flower Parade Honoring the 125th Anniversary of Vincent Van Gogh's Death
A theme is typically not imposed on the groups for the Zundert Flower Parade but in 2015, the floats were inspired by artist Vincent Van Gogh for the 125th anniversary of his death. Zundert, a rural region in the south of The Netherlands, was Van Gogh's birthplace and childhood home.
Photo by Werner Pellis
Photo by Werner Pellis
Photo by Erwin Martens
Photo by Erwin Martens
Photo by Erwin Martens