On the cool Sunday morning of March 15, at the National Mall in downtown Washington, D.C, thousands of people, mostly bundled in jackets, lined up in front of the U.S. Capitol for a chance to walk through the field of tulips and pick a bouquet to take home as Washington, D.C., held its very first Tulip Day.
Families, friends, flower lovers, and curious passersby all flocked to the heart of the capital, drawn by the promise of thousands of tulips, open skies, and a rare chance to pick flowers freely. And they completely loved the experience!
Washington’s First-Ever Tulip Day Was a Long Time Coming
The first-ever such event in the city, Tulip Day Washington was organized by Royal Anthos, a Dutch trade association, with the support of the European Union and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Washington, D.C. While the event had already taken root in cities like Amsterdam, New York, and San Francisco, this marked its debut in the nation's capital, and the response was much more than just overwhelming.
The day highlighted not just the beauty, but also a long-running collaboration between European bulb producers and American flower farms, turning a stretch of the National Mall, right at the Smithsonian Metro Station exit, into a spectacular open-air picking garden for a single afternoon, running from mid-morning till early evening. Royal Anthos CEO Mark-Jan Terwindt described it as embodying the tulip fields so familiar back in the Netherlands.
If there was any doubt about how much Washington, D.C. looked forward to this event, then the ticket rush settled it fast. Around 12,500 tickets were available, but they were all claimed much earlier. Practically everyone wanted to take part in this experience that brought a beloved Dutch tradition right into the symbolic landscape of the United States.
150,000 Tulips, All Grown in America
One of the most appealing things noted about Tulip Day in Washington is where the flowers came from. The tulip bulbs originate from the Netherlands, but the flowers were grown in Virginia and New Jersey. America is by far the biggest export market for tulip bulbs from Europe, receiving approximately half a billion of them every year. European companies also export many other types of flower bulbs to America, including Liliums, Hyacinthus, Narcissus, Dahlias, and Gladiolus.
Yet Royal Anthos and its members play the most important part (and role) in this collaboration, representing European bulb exporters and U.S. growers who share knowledge, varieties, and quality standards. Co-funding from the European Union, together with the involvement of the Dutch Embassy, shows how these flowers also speak to cultural exchange, agriculture, and trade ties between Europe and the United States.
The Weather Was Cold, but Nobody Paid Attention to It
March in Washington can be unpredictable. March 15th did not exactly deliver much sunshine and warmth, as the weather remained rather gloomy and gray, with wind making the day feel even cooler. But that did not dampen the spirits of the thousands who flocked to the celebration.
Watching the floral scene from a distance, during the event, the effect was that of a broad river of color flowing toward the Capitol dome, but up close, you’d see parents guiding children as they chose their favorite colors, couples selecting tulips for each other, and groups of friends comparing the different colors.
Volunteers and staff helped guests learn how to pull tulip bulbs and all, activities that helped people see the flowers as more than just a cut flower head. The tulips available to pick on the day came in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white, each color having its own meaning. Attendees were welcome to choose up to 10 stems to take home.
A Garden Shaped Like 250
The 2026 edition of Tulip Day Washington carried an extra aura and meaning. The installation was designed to incorporate the number 250 into its layout, commemorating America's 250 years of independence. One corner of the tulip garden featured that number spelled out entirely in flowers. Terwindt was characteristically warm about this gesture and noted that "if somebody has a big birthday, the Dutch come with flowers. So that's what we do here."
Mark‑Jan Terwindt, CEO of Royal Anthos:
“Sharing the beauty of tulips with visitors at such a meaningful location is incredibly special. Tulip Day brings people together through a simple, joyful moment – stepping into a field of flowers, enjoying a breath of spring, and taking a little of that beauty home.”
Tulip Day’s Growing Story
Tulip Day originated in San Francisco, where thousands of residents and visitors gathered to experience the free tulip garden in the heart of the city. Following its early success, the Union Square Alliance assumed leadership of the event, recognizing its ability to help revitalize the district. It later expanded to hosting two events in New York City, further establishing itself as a beloved spring tradition.
Today, the Tulip Day is a much-loved celebration in several cities, and Washington now joins this growing family of urban tulip gardens, bringing this European-flavored celebration of spring to an even wider audience. This follows the legacy that it has already created: for years, charming visitors with tens of thousands of tulip flowers, and turning busy city plazas into walk-in flower fields.
How to Care for Your Tulip Day Bouquet
If you were one of the lucky ones who walked away with a fresh bouquet, here is how to keep them at their best for as long as possible.
- Place them in a vase wrapped in paper or foil for about an hour first, which allows them to absorb water and straighten up.
- Choose a clean, tall vase, since tulips continue to grow a few more centimeters after being cut.
- Trim about 1.5 cm off the stems before placing them in water, and keep them away from fruit bowls and direct sunlight.
- Tulips drink a lot, so refill the vase with clean water regularly. With these simple steps, you'll enjoy your tulips for longer.
Featured and header image by @nlintheusa, Reels by @nlintheusa.
