Aalsmeer

Beneath the vibrant tapestry of Aalsmeer’s floral wonderland lies a story waiting to be unearthed. Aalsmeer, the “Flower Capital of the World,” pulsates with a unique energy. It’s a town where history intertwines with nature, creating a captivating narrative for those who seek it. Aalsmeer wasn’t always a floral paradise. Originally, its name, derived from “aal” (eel) and “meer” (lake), hinted at its watery beginnings. Aalsmeer’s history begins in 1133, a time of alder and willow forests. The surrounding lands were excavated for peat, giving rise to vast lakes and ponds like the Westeinderplassen. This transformed Aalsmeer into a fishing community, the very essence of its name. The relentless pursuit of dry land led to the reclamation of lakes like Stom Lake and Horn Lake. The transformation continued with the draining of Haarlem Lake in 1852. This marked a turning point for Aalsmeer. Fishing declined, but horticulture, particularly strawberry cultivation, flourished between 1850 and 1885. The strawberry even became a symbol on Aalsmeer’s flag: red for the fruit, green for the leaf, and black for the soil. Around 1880, a new chapter began with the cultivation of flowers, starting with roses grown in greenhouses. Aalsmeer’s flower trade evolved from local café auctions to the establishment of two auction businesses in 1912: Centrale Aalsmeerse Veiling and Bloemenlust. These eventually merged in 1968, leading to the construction of a massive auction building in 1972, later expanded in 1999. This building, now part of FloraHolland, is one of the largest commercial buildings globally, facilitating the trade of millions of flowers daily. Did you know that during World War II, Aalsmeer, with its National Socialistic mayor, gained a reputation for Nazi support? The highest Wehrmacht commander in the Netherlands was a frequent visitor, a dark period in the town’s history. After the war, over a hundred court cases against Nazi supporters from Aalsmeer took place. Today, Aalsmeer is more than just flowers. The former Central Auction building now houses Endemol television studios. Bloemenlust is a sports and events center. Royal De Vries Scheepsbouw’s large halls dominate the Ringvaart canal, showcasing the town’s diverse industries. Aalsmeer still celebrates its vibrant culture. Though the grand Flower Parade ended in 2007, a smaller version continues the tradition, keeping the spirit of the “Flower Capital” alive. Aalsmeer’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and the enduring power of nature’s beauty. It’s a story etched in every petal and every bloom, a testament to a town that blossomed from a watery wilderness into a world-renowned floral center.