The flowers from the Netherlands will decorate the Basilica and St Peter's Square in the large Week for the 40th time. Tradition was established during the pontificate of John Paul II. It was an initiative of Dutch volunteer florists, which was supported by the episcopate there.
Flowers and plants from the Netherlands will accompany the celebrations of the Resurrection in St. Peter's Square. 65,000 tulips, narcissists, hyacinths, 220 violets, 7800 roses, chrysanthemum, Gerbers, 600 cypresses, 80 azaleas, and 600 long branches of eucalyptus will arrive from the Netherlands.
Prior to dispatch to Rome, Bishop of Rotterdam and president of the Dutch Episcopal Conference Johannes van den Hende will bless the flowers in Lisse in the western Netherlands on 31 March, where there is the world's largest flower garden “Keukenhof” (34 ha). There are over 7 million onion flowers, mostly tulips and hyacinths.
JG, KAI
