Last year I spent my first Pride weekend in Amsterdam. It was amazing, from the Drag Queen Olympics, to the boat parade. It was all fantastic. Parties everywhere, sun, love and an amazing vibe all throughout the weekend. If you want to know more about Pride weekend, where to go and that to do, keep on reading.
What is Pride week(end) in the old A’dam
Although in many locations across the globe the LGTB community celebrate Pride during a weekend, Amsterdammers go a step forward and have a 10 day event going on. Let’s be honest, if Dutchies know about something is about having awesome parties.
There will be cultural events such as art shows all around the city. Cocktail classes. Special discounts in many shops and activities tailored to children, teens and adults. There will be walks, baths, heels and feathers. And it will all circle around the Pride in Amsterdam and the LGTB community. This year there will even be a hotel that will marry you without even a booking. C’mon, isn’t all of this amazing?
At the same time, as it is a celebration during Pride weekend in Amsterdam, there will be concerts in many places during the two weekends that this “festival of love” takes place.
Start of the festivities
There is some confusion about where exactly Pride kicks off.
Some say, it all starts in the infamous Vondelpark in Amsterdam. Originally, there will be a walk through the park. Along with a market (called Rainbow Market), where you can buy some original stuff to celebrate Pride. Also, at the open Air Theater, yes, where the Ugly Christmas Sweater Run started last Christmas, there will be a stage with dozens of artists performing.
Others will say that the party starts with the Pride Walk leading to Vondelpark. I think I am more inclined to agree with this people. Halfway through the morning, there will be a manifestation with speakers and artists. This year, this will start at the Homomonument, in Jordaan. An adorable neighbourhood in Amsterdam. And then it will become a walk that passing through the center of the city it will culminate in Vondelpark.
Other things to do in Amsterdam during Pride
As I told you before, Pride Weekend in Amsterdam is more accurately Pride Week. So you get an idea of the amount of activities and events going on here you have an example. This year Pride starts Saturday July 27th. Only this Saturday (the day after this post is going life), there are more than thirty events going on. You can go and check out some photography competitions, join a Zumba marathon or spend the day at the beach. And this is just the type of the iceberg. Since I cannot attend to all of them and there are many depending on your preferences, here you can find all planned activities.
The end of Pride in Amsterdam
Even though the end of the party is officially on Sunday, for most people the end starts on Saturday. Yes, I know it sounds confusing. One of the main events of Pride week is of course the Boat Parade. Hundreds of boats cruise along the outermost canal of the ring (concentric canals). Each one of them decorated depending on the organisation from where it comes from. There are hospitals with boats, banks, universities… Any sort of company or organisation you can think of. Some of them are just in the boat seeing people and waving them hello. Other boats will appear in the canal with a full choreography. There will be air dolls, drags, buttcheek-less pants and feathers. It is all an amazing view and experience.
Following the official boat parade there will be hundreds of smaller boats. People from all around the country take out their boats and join the party. Just check out below how messy and amazing that can look. After the parade, there will be many parties all around the city: in the Dam, in the parks, near Centraal. For all tastes and colors. Of course, we are in the Netherlands, so expect plenty of EDM.
On the last day, there is an activity to fish out plastic from the canals, and a few other events. But depending on how much fun you’ll have on Saturday you will most likely finish your experience some time before Sunday’s dawn.
When is Pride week in Amsterdam
If you cannot make it this year, just plan to be here the next! Usually, this celebrations, unlike everywhere else in the globe, take part during the last week of July. And they often extend up to the first week of August. It is possible that the dates can move a week earlier or a week later. However, the dates can be found online months ahead… So plan accordingly!
Why do I love Pride in Amsterdam
So, even though I have never been part of the LGTB community, I have always loved and joined Pride week (end). Independently of where I have been. I did it in London, Barcelona and now in Amsterdam. Although I am as hetero as they come, many of my friends have struggled for acceptance. Because of that, even if your style of love does not fit the same box than the LGTB community, it is always good to show support. At the end, this is just a celebration of love. A celebration of diversity and openmindness. Go out there, keep a tolerant mind and have fun!
