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In Lottum, during 10 years, from 1922, an annual festival was celebrated in honour of the rose. Together with the Lottum Wind Orchestra this first version of the Rose Festival was initially celebrated at the historic castle ‘De Borggraaf’ and later at Lottum’s central market square.
After several years of absence, the second series of Rose Festivals started in 1951 and lasted until 1970. This event took place on a permanent site set up for that purpose, ‘De Kraaienhof’. This Rose Festival ground is located at the edge of the village just behind the current sports fields.
After a 20-year absence, a new event was organised from 1991 onwards. This became the grand Rose Festival. This biennial event eventually attracted over 50,000 visitors over a 3-day weekend in August. It covered the entire area between the market square and the Meuse River. It thus became the biggest festival event in the municipality of Horst aan de Maas and far beyond. Every Rose Festival, as well as its predecessors, was organised entirely by volunteers.
Due to increasing regulations and financial risks, as well as the burden on the village, the last Rose Festival took place in 2018.
To promote Rose Village Lottum, a mascot was created in 2002. A competition was held among primary school children to come up with a name. That became Rosalot, whereby it will be clear that Rosa stands for the rose and Lot for Lottum. A matching mascot costume was designed by students of the Fashion Trade School in Tilburg.
Local girls between 10 and 13 years young were asked to take up the mascot role. They represented Lottum as a rose village and handed out leaflets at events inside and outside Lottum, often in the run-up to the Rose Festival. They looked beautiful and always got a lot of attention and compliments.
During the earlier editions of the Rose Festival, a beautiful rose queen was presented. In 2010, this old tradition revived. In the year of the rose festival, the new rose queen was announced at the end of April.
She represented Rose Village Lottum for two years and was explicitly present at the Rose Festival, but above all showed herself as an ambassador during various events leading up to the Rose Festival. This fine tradition ended with the last Rose Festival in 2018.
During the weekend of 12 to 14 August 2022, the ‘Feast of the Rose’ took place in Lottum. This was in celebration of the fact that 100 years ago, the first festivity ever around the rose was organised. The event was held on the premises of De Rozenhof in Lottum. This is a beautiful rose garden, recently expanded with a landscape garden, in the middle of the historic heart of the village of Lottum.
The ‘Feast of the Rose’ aimed for a high level of creativity and execution of the decorations. This was particularly successful because under the guidance of nationally renowned arrangers Ria Nijssen and Johan Martens, florists and growers once again created unique objects. Under their supervision and helped by a large team of volunteers, it is estimated that some 50,000 rose bushes and buds, as well as many other flowers and plants, were incorporated into the many floral objects scattered around De Rozenhof.
The festival was further complemented by a catering square, a traditional crafts market and a varied live musical programme. Furthermore, former Dutch champion floral designer Diny Holtrop gave several flower arranging demonstrations.
Despite the extremely hot weather, the festival was well attended. Reviews were very positive, so the event will have a sequel.
What a party! After months of preparations and an intensive build-up week, the 2024 Rose Festival was completed with great success. The beautiful rose garden of De Rozenhof in Lottum was the radiant centre of this colourful event, where visitors could enjoy roses and floral creations as well as an extensive children’s and entertainment programme.
Under the guidance of renowned arrangers and with the help of a large team of dedicated volunteers, some beautiful floral objects were once again created, spread across the grounds. In addition, the thousands of visitors could admire many mosaics made by groups of friends, clubs and children from the village. The celebration was completed with catering, a diverse fair, children’s activities and a varied musical programme. The feedback from the many thousands of visitors was therefore rave!
We would like to express our thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and visitors who contributed to the success of this event. Thanks to your enthusiasm and commitment, together we were able to experience an unforgettable Rose Festival. Relive the most beautiful moments and enjoy once again the wonderful atmospheric images. See you at the next edition!
Closed on August 7, 8, 9 & 12 due to the construction of the Rose Festival Lottum, this party will take place on August 9, 10 & 11.
The Rozenhof is open until 27 October 2024.
During the winter months, we are open on Sundays from 13:30 – 16:30 for coffee, tea and more.