Do you love learning how things are made? How about gigantic flower floats? That’s right. You can go behind the scenes of the famous Bloemencorso parade and learn how they pin each petal by hand.
I love a parade, I love flowers, and I love the Netherlands. Jim and I try to head up every year to take part in the Tulip Festival in some way. The Bloemencorso, a 40-kilometer parade, is a marvel. When we learned that we could go behind the scenes, see how the floats were made, and take photos before the parade, we were sold.
Behind the Scenes of the Bloemencorso
Many of the flower floats are assembled and decorated in a warehouse that’s easy to find. For a mere 10 Euros, we eagerly booked our tickets to go. We were headed up for the parade on Saturday so we chose to go the day before.
The Behind the Scenes event is open Wednesday to Friday before the parade. Obviously, the petals cannot be put on the float earlier than that, or they will wilt.
A huge warehouse, you can walk around the floats in various stages of being decorated, as well as have a snack and coffee at the café, listen to music on the bandstand, and even try your hand at pinning the hyacinth petals onto a board.
How to Go to Behind the Scenes
We only booked our tickets about three weeks prior to the event, but I didn’t have any trouble getting the ones I wanted.
There was a line to enter, and we arrived at the exact same time as a tour bus, which didn’t make me too happy. I was worried that there would be lots of people inside and that getting my photos would be harder than I’d planned.
I worried for nothing, though (not unusual). Once we cleared the line, there was plenty of space inside. In fact, the tour group all went through the warehouse together, listening to the guide, so we just avoided that area that they were in.
Once you’re in, you’re in. You can stay as long as you want. So, if you are going by yourself and happen to pick a busier time, I suggest you go get a cup of coffee and wait for the crowds to dissipate. You can also sit near the bandstand and listen to the local musicians.
Our Rating
We gave the Behind the Scenes a full five stars. It exceeded my expectations, and I will go back every year that I plan to watch the parade. It gives you a unique perspective on each float.
For example, while the parade is going on, you don’t really notice all the movements or the details that the artists have put on them, so walking around them on your own time really lets you appreciate them more. Plus, you can get right next to them for taking really good photos.
Go to these articles to start planning your trip to see the flowers in the Netherlands.
Information for Visiting Behind the Scenes
Visiting Times: Only Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before the Bloemencorso until 14.00 each afternoon.
Address: Robijnslaan 43, Noordwijkerhout
Cost: Adults 9.50 Euros, Children between 4-12 2.50 Euros, under 4 is free. Cost includes a free cup of coffee.
Conclusion
One of the things Jim and I love to do is find out how things work. We love factories, workshops, cooking lessons, and anything with a back story. The Behind the Scenes was a great way to learn more about the Bloemencorso floats and really appreciate the artistry and hard work that goes into them. I have one word for you. Go!
Author Bio: Corinne Vail is a travel photographer, food lover, and a perpetual traveler who has been travel writing for over 14 years. For many years she lived overseas in Germany, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, and the Netherlands teaching the children of the US. military. She’s visited over 90 countries, and she’s not stopping anytime soon.