In the Netherlands, the tulip season has officially started on Saturday, 19 January, with National Tulip Day. One could think that January may not be the most appropriate time of the year for such a celebration — but the Dutch think otherwise, as from January till the end of April a huge variety of tulips will be available from florists and supermarkets.

Despite the freezing temperatures, tulip growers have built a big, colourful garden in Dam Square, bringing thousands of tulips and inviting everyone to pick up their favourite flowers for free.

For a few hours, the place was packed with happy people walking around the improvised garden, trying to choose the best flowers to decorate their homes for the next days.

I couldn’t miss such an event… so there I was, even though a bit late after the start. Unfortunately some of the flowers were already a little frost-bitten, but the bunch I took home recovered quite well and look very fresh in the vase; plus I have the bulbs to plant next season!