Bloemencorso Aalsmeer

Every autumn, the town of Aalsmeer in the Netherlands is enveloped in color and fragrance for the Bloemencorso Aalsmeer (Aalsmeer Flower Parade). Known as the world’s only “floating flower parade,” this September weekend sees boats and floats, adorned with tens or even hundreds of thousands of locally grown flowers, gliding slowly along canals and streets. Whether you’re a flower enthusiast, a photographer, or simply seeking an authentic Dutch experience, this festival is a feast for the senses and a source of local pride.

The parade stretches from Aalsmeer to neighboring towns, transforming the waterside and streetscape into a living art gallery. The sweet scent of dahlias, roses, and lilies, the sounds of live music and laughter, and the vibrant competition of the floats together create unforgettable autumn memories. For this weekend, Aalsmeer becomes the “floral heart of the Netherlands,” inviting everyone to share in its beauty and creativity.

The Floating Flower Parade

Events & Activities

The tradition of Dutch bloemencorso (flower parades) dates back to medieval religious processions, where floats depicted biblical stories for the illiterate. Over time, these processions evolved into secular festivals celebrating local harvests and, eventually, the rise of the Dutch flower industry. By the late 19th century, inspired by flower carnivals in Nice, France, towns with thriving floriculture-like Haarlem-began holding grand flower parades.

After World War II, Dutch society was searching for hope and renewal. In 1947, Willem Warmenhoven, an amaryllis grower from Hillegom, created a whale-shaped float covered in hyacinths, marking the beginning of the modern flower parade. Neighboring towns soon joined in, and the tradition of volunteers and local communities building floats together took root. In the postwar years, the parade became a symbol of unity and creativity, eventually growing into a national event. By the 1950s, it drew over 500,000 visitors, and the opening of Keukenhof Gardens further boosted its popularity.

Aalsmeer’s Bloemencorso is especially famous for its “floating parade” style, reflecting the town’s deep connection to both flowers and water. Floats and boats, often requiring months of preparation, are decorated with hundreds of thousands of locally grown blooms-sometimes as many as 500,000 dahlias per float. In the final days before the event, teams of residents and friends work together to cover every surface in fresh flowers. The competitive spirit of “corso culture” is strong, with floats judged for creativity, artistry, and teamwork.

But corso culture is more than just a parade: it’s about shared meals, parties during preparation, intergenerational exchange of skills, and a deep sense of local pride and togetherness. Across the Netherlands, about 30 major flower parades are held each year, involving over 75,000 volunteers. In 2021, “Dutch corso culture” was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, underscoring its historical and cultural value.

“I’ve never seen so many flowers in my life! Each boat gliding along the water was dreamlike, with the scent of flowers, music, and everyone’s smiles creating a truly magical time. I joined a flower arranging workshop, talked with locals, and even learned behind-the-scenes stories of the floats-this festival really does welcome everyone.”

• Bloemencorso Aalsmeer is the world’s only “floating flower parade,” with boats and floats decorated with hundreds of thousands of flowers each year.
• Aalsmeer is home to the world’s largest flower auction, FloraHolland, where over 20 million flowers and plants are traded daily.
• In 2021, Dutch “corso culture” was recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Bloemencorso Aalsmeer is held every September in Aalsmeer, southwest of Amsterdam. Find the best spot along the canal, enjoy the flower parade, and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind autumn filled with color, fragrance, and creativity.