Vibrant Flower Exhibition Holds Throng of Attendees in the Netherlands
In the heart of the Dutch province of Overijssel lies the picturesque village of Sint Jansklooster, which recently became a hotspot for flower enthusiasts and parade lovers alike. On August 15th and 16th, 2022, the village played host to the annual Sint Jansklooster Flower Parade (Corso Sint Jansklooster), a spectacle that attracted thousands of visitors and brought a burst of colour to the village's streets.
The highlight of the event was the parade of twelve artistically designed floats, each crafted from an impressive 3.5 million dahlias. These "dahlia giants" made multiple laps through the village center during the afternoon, creating a mesmerizing sight for all who gathered to watch.
As the sun began to set, the floats returned, this time adorned with lights, transforming the parade into a magical fairytale procession. The illuminated floats created a captivating atmosphere, leaving spectators in awe of the beauty and creativity on display.
The Flower Parade wasn't just a spectator event, as amateur actors and extras graced nearly every float, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the proceedings. Visitors also had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the floats during the Korso Festival, a street festival that took place on August 16th, starting at midday.
Seating areas were strategically placed around the village, offering a good view of the action during both the parade and the festival. For those arriving by car, free parking lots were conveniently located near the event.
The Flower Parade is a much-anticipated event in Sint Jansklooster, with the entire community getting involved to make it the highlight of the year. The event is so significant that it was voted the best public event in the Netherlands in 2023, a testament to its scale and community importance.
The Netherlands is renowned for its colourful flower parades, and the Sint Jansklooster Flower Parade is no exception. In late 2021, Dutch parade culture was even inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
As the evening of August 15th approached, the festival tent came alive with a party from 10:30 pm. The culmination of the day was the award ceremony for the most beautiful float, held at 7:45 pm.
While the details for the 2025 event have already been announced, the 2022 parade followed a similar format, with the afternoon and evening parades, the festival atmosphere, and the community involvement remaining key features. As the date for the 2025 event approaches, expectations are high that the Sint Jansklooster Flower Parade will once again captivate visitors and locals alike.
Visitors to the Sint Jansklooster Flower Parade can immerse themselves in a vibrant home-and-garden spectacle, as the event showcases an array of innovative and artfully designed floats made entirely of dahlias. Furthermore, the post-parade illuminated floats create a captivating lifestyle experience, transforming the village into a magical fairytale scene that's not to be missed.
