Canadian Tulip Festival 2023 kicks off in Ottawa

The Canadian Tulip Festival kicked off in Ottawa on Friday. It will last until May 22. 　

The 70-year-old Canadian Tulip Festival is a citywide event in spring. More than one million tulips will bloom throughout the city during this year's 11-day Festival, attracting visitors from all over the world. 　

The Dutch Royal Family members took refuge in Ottawa during World War II. Princess Margaret was born in the city in 1943. As a token of gratitude, the Dutch government sent Canada tulip bulbs every year after the war. This allowed Ottawa to host what is now the largest tulip festival in the world.