In the town where Van Gogh was born, locals get together for the world’s largest flower parade, held every first Sunday of September since 1936.

 

In the culminating days, the elders of Zundert spend their mornings in the fields, picking the millions of dahlias that will go on to adorn larger-than-life floats. Placed by hand, one-by-one with nails and a coin taped to one’s thumb, floats can be adorned with over 500 000 dahlias. The rules are simple: a section of a float may not exceed 19 meters in length, and no motors are allowed: people must push.

 

In a communal, volunteer-driven spirit, the various hamlets of Zundert start building their floats in May to be ready for the first Sunday of September.

In the final week, they work day-in day-out, rushing towards the big day. What sets Corso Zundert apart from other flower parades is its grassroots nature: the floats are designed, constructed, and decorated entirely by local volunteers, many of whom spend months planning and preparing for the event. And even though the 2024 dahlia season wasn’t great, over 20 hamlets (neighborhoods) are competing to create the most stunning and awe-inspiring float.

 

Every year, they push the boundaries of what is possible with flowers, art, and community collaboration, with a bouquet that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.