For the 40th consecutive year, the Netherlands is supplying the flowers that decorate St. Peter's Square in Rome during the annual Easter celebration. As Pope Francis delivers the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, addressed to the city and the world, viewers across the globe can follow the display of Dutch flowers.
© Keukenhof
Mgr. Van den Hende, bishop of Rotterdam, blesses the flowers
Before the flower transport departed from Keukenhof to St. Peter's Square, a blessing ceremony was held by Bishop Mgr. van den Hende of Rotterdam. A press presentation preceding the blessing reflected on the significance of the anniversary.
Floral designer Piet van den Burg is again responsible for the design, working alongside a team of volunteers and Dutch growers. This year's theme is "40 Years Together," and flowers have been carefully selected to reflect that concept.
Logistics for the Rome transport are planned with precision. Royal Van der Slot is responsible for transporting the flowers from Keukenhof to Vatican City, following a strict schedule to ensure all flowers arrive in time for the creation of the floral display.
At the press presentation, Hans van den Heuvel of the Stichting Bloemenpracht Rome spoke with several people involved in the initiative, including Alex van der Slot, Annemarie Oskam, Piet van den Burg, and Sandra Bechtholt.
For more information:
Keukenhof
https://keukenhof.nl/nl/
