As stores in Amsterdam and across the Netherlands cautiously reopen after weeks of coronavirus lockdown, the Dutch capital’s mood has been lightened further by dashes of colour from thousands of free bunches of tulips.
National Tulip Day is usually marked by an improvised flower garden in front of the royal palace on the capital’s central Dam Square.
The event is held each year to celebrate the start of the growing season for the famous flowers, a major export for Dutch farmers.
“So we’re going to provide some joy. We hope to create many happy faces by handing out tulip bouquets.”
Dutch flower and plant auctioneer Royal FloraHolland had record sales in 2021 of 5.6 billion euros (£4.6 billion) thanks to higher prices for plants and cut flowers.
