Residents of Ottawa and visitors alike eagerly await spring, as the city becomes captivated by tulips. This fascination stems from the world-famous Ottawa Tulip Festival, an annual celebration of history, beauty, and renewal.
Ottawa Ski delves into the origins of this iconic festival and its many fascinating features.
How Did the Tulip Festival Begin?
The story of the festival dates back to World War II, a time of fear and uncertainty when even royalty sought refuge. The Dutch royal family, led by Princess Juliana, evacuated to Britain but eventually moved to Ottawa, as London could no longer guarantee their safety amid bombings.
In Ottawa, Princess Juliana and her children lived modestly, mirroring the daily lives of the city’s residents.
The Birth of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands
A moment of joy amidst wartime sorrow came with the birth of Princess Margriet in January 1943. To ensure she retained Dutch citizenship and could remain in the line of succession, the hospital’s maternity ward was declared extraterritorial. This historic event marked the first time a child of European royalty was born in North America.
In 2002, Princess Margriet returned to Ottawa to participate in the 50th anniversary of the Tulip Festival, honouring the enduring bond between Canada and the Netherlands.
Canada and the Netherlands: A Special Relationship
Canada and the Netherlands have long enjoyed warm relations, deepened by shared history during and after the war. Canadian troops played a pivotal role in liberating the Netherlands from occupation, fostering lasting gratitude.
After the war, the Dutch royal family returned home, but as a token of appreciation, the Dutch government sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada in 1945. The following year, Princess Juliana personally donated another 20,500 bulbs. This gesture laid the foundation for what would become the Canadian Tulip Festival, with annual tulip gifts from the Dutch government continuing to this day.
Fun Facts About Tulips:
- In the 1600s, tulip bulbs in the Netherlands were worth 10 times the annual salary of a skilled craftsman.
- The Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of tulips, cultivating the flowers to perfection.
- Tulips are edible! Culinary experts have experimented with tulip-based dishes, including tulip soup.
The Idea of an Annual Celebration
The idea for the festival was championed by Malak Karsh, a renowned Ottawa-based photographer. Alongside his brother Yousuf Karsh, Malak was one of the most talented photographers of his time. While Yousuf gained fame for his portraits, Malak focused on capturing natural beauty.
In 1949, Malak developed a fascination with tulips, and by 1952, he proposed the concept of an annual festival to Ottawa’s Chamber of Commerce. He later served as the honorary president of the Canadian Tulip Festival until his death in 2001.
Tulip Varieties and Colours
Today, the festival showcases over 150 species and 3,000 varieties of tulips in an array of colours. While classic blue tulips don’t exist, the festival features stunning purple blooms and unique varieties like the “Queen of the Night”, a dark purple tulip so deep it appears almost black.
Tulips symbolize love and spring, but their meaning also depends on their colour:
- Pink tulips: Represent care and affection, perfect for friends and family.
- White tulips: Symbolize purity and are often chosen for weddings or as gestures of apology.
- Purple tulips: Signify royalty and renewal.
- Yellow tulips: Associated with happiness and positivity, bringing light to any occasion.
A Free Event for All
One of the festival’s highlights is its accessibility—entry to the tulip displays is free of charge. While some premium activities, such as guided tours, may have a fee, most events are open to everyone. Visitors should plan for additional expenses like transportation, food, and souvenirs.
Top Locations for Tulips
- Dow’s Lake
- Home to Commissioner’s Park, featuring over 300,000 tulips. Some bulbs are replanted annually, while others are distributed to schools and non-profit organizations.
- Commissioner’s Park Main Bed
- This area hosts tulips donated by the Netherlands. Flowers are also planted at the Civic Hospital, where Princess Margriet was born, and at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where she was baptized.
- Rideau Canal to Parliament Hill
- The canal’s banks and Parliament Hill’s lawn boast spectacular tulip beds. Across the river in Gatineau, visitors can spot tulip displays near the Canadian Museum of History, including the famous “Malak’s Bed,” named in honour of the festival’s founder.
- Residential Neighbourhoods
- Locals cultivate their own tulip gardens, making Ottawa’s streets ideal for exploring the blooms in a more intimate setting.
The Festival’s Scale and Popularity
Ottawa transforms into a vibrant mosaic of colour each spring, thanks to the world’s largest tulip festival, which attracts over 650,000 visitors annually.
Beyond the beautiful flower displays, the festival offers:
- Concerts, children’s activities, and workshops.
- Art exhibitions and fireworks displays.
- Outdoor film screenings and engaging lectures.
The festival blends history, art, and culture, creating a unique celebration that draws crowds eager to capture memories amidst over a million tulips.
Ottawa’s Cherished Spring Tradition
Ottawa’s Tulip Festival is not just a celebration of natural beauty but also a tribute to history and international friendship. For residents and visitors alike, it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in the season’s splendour and honour the connections that gave rise to this extraordinary event.
Each year, the festival reminds us of the enduring ties between Canada and the Netherlands, transforming the capital into a kaleidoscope of colour and joy.