Experience Holland at the Chilliwack Tulip Festival

Hyacinth Mosaics

Chilliwack Tulip Festival, British Columbia Canada

Hyacinth art is quite common in the Netherlands, and it’s something we’re incorporating into our festival! The artists follow their patterns by wrapping the petals around little pins, and pushing them into place; the results are simply stunning! This year, schools throughout the Fraser Valley have been invited to participate in the creation of our hyacinth mosaics here at the festival. Every weekend will feature a new mosaic from participating schools. Come check out our gorgeous living art – mosaics made of hyacinths!

Festival Store

Make sure to stop at the festival store, located in the covered pavilion, to get your Chilliwack Tulip Festival and Dutch souvenirs! You’ll find aprons, oven mitts, and tea towels, not to mention the beautiful postcards and photo cards! Pick up your pens, magnets, keychains, and even shopping bags and umbrellas. You’ll also discover fresh cut tulips, potted tulips, and potted hyacinths. Snacks (including dutch licorice) and bottled beverages can be found in the store, and pre-made Stroop Waffles are available on weekdays when the Stroopwafel stand isn’t open….

Stroopwafels

A stroopwafel is made from two thin layers of baked batter with a caramel-like syrup between; think fresh baked, caramel filled cookies! Stroopwafels were first made in the Dutch city of Gouda, where bakers would sweeten leftovers from the bakery, like breadcrumbs, with syrup. Up until 1870, stroopwafels were only made in the city of Gouda. In 1960, there were 17 stroopwafel factories open there, four of which are still currently open. The traditional way to eat a stroopwafel is atop the mug of a hot beverage; the heat from the rising steam slightly softens one side of the waffle, while the other stays crispy. We make our stroopwafels fresh on the weekends at our Stroopwafel Stand. This Dutch favourite is returning for its fourth year at the festival!