Canadian Tulip Festival

Introduction and origin –

Every spring, the Canadian Tulip Festival takes place in and around Ottawa. It is one of the largest tulip displays in the world. Over a million tulips in over 100 varieties are in bloom in the National Capital Region during the festival. The festival’s roots can be traced back to Canada’s involvement in liberating the Netherlands and welcoming members of the Dutch royal family during WORLD WAR second. Following the battle, the Netherlands started presenting tulip bulbs to Canada as a symbol of their gratitude. This custom is still followed today. The first festival took place in 1953.

The story behind it is Juliana gave birth to her third daughter, Princess Margriet Francisca, in January 1943. Margriet was born at the Civic Hospital in Ottawa. Her birthplace was briefly declared outside of Canadian territory by the Canadian government. Margriet could therefore maintain her Dutch citizenship and therefore be eligible for the Dutch throne. The Dutch royal family returned home after the Allies liberated the country in 1945. Princess Juliana presented 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada shortly after her return in appreciation for the important role played by Canadian troops in liberating the Netherlands and establishing a safe haven for her family during the war.

Juliana proceeded to give tens of thousands of bulbs as a gift every year. After becoming queen in 1948, she continued the tradition. Tulips are a long-standing tradition. In recognition of the strong relations between the two nations, the Dutch people and the Dutch royal family each send 10,000 bulbs to Canada every year.