On April 12, 2025, the picturesque town of Noordwijk will come alive with the annual Bloemencorso, a vibrant flower parade that showcases millions of narcissi, tulips, hyacinths, and other flowers arranged on elaborate floats. This beloved event marks the beginning of spring in the Bollenstreek region and draws visitors from near and far to admire the stunning floral displays.
The festivities kick off early in the day, with a live broadcast of the Bloemencorso on BO TV, starting at 9:00 AM and concluding around 10:30 AM. Viewers will be treated to a visual feast as the beautifully decorated floats make their way along the Koningin Wilhelminaboulevard. This year, the parade promises to be particularly special, as the weather is expected to be warm and sunny, providing ideal conditions for a day filled with floral splendor.
Before the main event, on the evening of April 11, visitors in Noordwijkerhout had the opportunity to admire the parked floats and luxury cars. The excitement built as singer Alex entertained the crowd with a lively performance just before the start of the illuminated corso at 9:15 PM. The event was officially opened with the ceremonial cutting of a flower ribbon by the mayors of the participating towns, alongside Willem Heemskerk, the chairman of Bloemencorso Bollenstreek.
As the parade unfolds, attendees can expect a kaleidoscope of colors and creativity, with each float telling its own unique story through the art of floral arrangement. The Bloemencorso is not just a feast for the eyes; it is a celebration of community spirit and artistic expression, bringing together local residents and tourists alike.
In addition to the Bloemencorso, April 12 also marks the announcement of the winner of the prestigious Woutertje Pieterse Prijs for the best Dutch-language children’s book. This award will be revealed during the program De Taalstaat on NPO Radio 1, airing between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The recognition of literary talent is an integral part of the cultural landscape in the Netherlands, and this year’s winner is sure to inspire young readers.
Meanwhile, D66, one of the prominent political parties in the Netherlands, is holding its spring congress in Rotterdam, further adding to the day's significance. This event will see party members gather to discuss important issues and strategies as they prepare for upcoming elections.
In the realm of sports, Rotterdam will also host the final of the Korfbal League, where the teams PKC and Fortuna will compete for the championship title. This exciting match is expected to draw a large crowd, showcasing the region’s passion for sports.
On a more serious note, the Ministry of Defense is currently investigating the commander responsible for the 2015 airstrike on the Iraqi city of Hawija, which resulted in the tragic loss of 70 civilian lives. This investigation was prompted by the resurfacing of video footage depicting the aftermath of the strike, which had previously been thought lost. Minister Brekelmans has communicated the importance of accountability in military operations, emphasizing that the responsible parties must be held to account.
In other news, two police officers in Aruba are facing prosecution for their involvement in the death of a 19-year-old named Ayden, following a high-speed chase. An investigation revealed that officers fired their weapons twenty times during the incident, raising serious questions about police conduct and the use of force.
Across the Atlantic, British police recently concluded a days-long manhunt for a bulldog that had escaped and was subsequently shot after displaying aggressive behavior. The incident has sparked discussions about animal control and police procedures in handling such situations.
Meanwhile, the Belgian government has announced a significant investment of 3.9 billion euros in defense this year, aiming to meet NATO’s standard of 2 percent of GDP. Defense Minister Francken emphasized the necessity of security, stating, "Safety is not a luxury; it is a necessity." This investment marks a substantial increase from last year, when Belgium allocated only 1.3 percent of its GDP to defense.
In a lighter story, Fatou, a resident of Zoo Berlin, celebrated her 68th birthday on April 11, 2025, with a delightful surprise of a fruit basket. Fatou is believed to be the oldest gorilla in captivity, and her longevity is a testament to the care provided by her keepers. Gorillas in the wild typically live up to 35 years, while those in zoos can reach around 50. Fatou, despite her age, is still active and healthy, continuing to delight visitors to the zoo.
As the day unfolds, the Bloemencorso promises to be a highlight of the spring season, bringing together communities to celebrate the beauty of nature and the creativity of local artisans. Whether attending the parade, tuning in to the radio for literary announcements, or participating in political discussions, April 12, 2025, is set to be a day filled with vibrant activities and important conversations across the Netherlands.
