On September 3, Zundert, a small town in the southern part of the Netherlands, hosted the biggest flower show in the world. Competitors spend months to create the most magnificent parade float in a fierce competition.
The flower art parade is a beautiful example of community art. Volunteers make all the flower arrangements, and everyone is involved. The whole town goes crazy about the flower show, which is a tradition that started out in 1936 and grew a bit out of hand. The current parade used in total some 8 million colorful flowers, which were all used fulfilling the parade float ideas.
This year's winner was 'On a pedestal' by the hamlet Schijf, that won the parade for the very first time in their existence. The float featured about 260 actors, all dressed up and masked and thousands of beautiful flowers.
More info: corsozundert.nl
'On a pedestal', by the hamlet Schijf, winner of the parade
A people carrying their king with their bare hands. It might suggest a tribute, but in fact, it is indigenous suffering.
Some 260 actors from the hamlet were all dressed and masked and 'carried' the float through the streets. Schijf took part in the parade for about ten years and won for the first time.
Photo Malou Evers.
'Under attack' of the hamlet Helpt Elkander, 2nd prize
'Under attack' is about refugees from now and from the past. Everywhere and in all times, people are on the run for war and for natural disasters. Their suffering inspired float designer Louise Joosen. About 120 actors from the hamlet accompagnied the float.
Photo Malou Evers.
'Threatened', a huge bald eagle with many moving parts
The proud American bald eagle, the icon of Western prosperity and symbol of endless possibilities. But the eagle has now fallen prey to growing industrialism and the maturing consumer society. Its hunting area has been turned into a large, toxic dump covered with wrecked cars, fast food packaging, and waste. It desperately tries to maintain itself ... but for how long?
Photo Erwin Martens.
Chased away!
A cloud of smoke from a forest fire transforms into a gorilla.
Photo Malou Evers.
As the world turns
This float is a technical masterpiece, consisting of what are probably the biggest wheels ever built. The wheels are nine meters high.
Photo Malou Evers.
'Weave' on its way to the parade
The hamlet Stuivezand transport their float 'Weave' to the parade on early sunday morning.
Photo Paul Ranft.
'Under the skin', a volcano in flowers
A volcano built from dahlias that are colored black and grey using mortar. The lava is shown by 450 led panels that are built into the float, together with smoke machines and audio equipment.
Photo Malou Evers.
Screen print
Two people from the hamlet Kapelleke are printed from four colors on nine meter high moving panels.
Photo Malou Evers.