The word “Bloemencorso” can be translated from Dutch as “flower pageant”, “flower procession” or “flower parade”. Such parades are held in many towns in the Netherlands and Belgium to celebrate their flower-growing industry.
Bloemencorso Sint-Gillis-bij-Dendermonde was created in 1950 to bring the residents of Dendermonde closer together. The first event was organized by the Municipal Committee on Physical Education, Sport and Recreation. It took place in 1951. The inaugural flower parade was a great success, so it was decided to hold it annually. Since the late 2000s, the main parade has been accompanied by the children’s parade and the youth parade. Both are held before the main event.
The Sint-Gillis-bij-Dendermonde Flower Parade features magnificent floats and cars beautifully decorated with about 750,000 dahlias. After the parade, the best float receives a special award presented by a jury. Each parade has a theme that participants use as a source of inspiration. Past themes have included Color Palette, The Sound of Music, If Flowers Could Speak, 65 Years of Bloemencorso: A Giant Party!, Toys in Abundance, and Continents.
Each participating team designs its platform to highlight a certain aspect of this year’s theme. The corso committee organizes a series of workshops several months before the event to make it easier for participants to construct their floats. The participants of the children’s and youth parade receive special assistance during the preparations.
The procession is followed by entertainment and various activities for children and grown-ups alike. All floats are exhibited at the main square, so that anyone can take a closer look at these magnificent constructions covered in thousands of flowers.
Photo: Karel Titeca
