National Tulip Day on Saturday, January 20, 2018, marked the exciting start of the new tulip season with a free picking party on Amsterdam's iconic Dam Square. From January through April—spanning about 100 days—the world's most beloved spring flower dazzled in vibrant colors and unique shapes.
Established in 2012, this annual event on the third Saturday of January celebrates the tulip harvest. Dutch growers set up a massive garden of over 200,000 tulips on Dam Square, where from 1 p.m., visitors picked free bunches to brighten their homes with spring cheer. Arrive early—these go fast!
Native to Turkey, tulips have been a cornerstone of Dutch horticulture since the 16th century, evolving into a national symbol. Each year, roughly 2 billion bulbs from the Netherlands bloom worldwide. Over 3,000 varieties offer endless variety: double-flowered types, pointed or fringed petals, and hues from near-black to red-yellow flames or soft pinks.
