Amsterdaming
07 August 2025|Netherlands
Amsterdams Pride boat parade was absolutely the highlight of the citys LGBTQ+ scene this year. It's this fun event where boats are decked out in every color of the rainbow with super creative designs and messages that really inspire people. What I love about it is how it shows how much Amsterdam cares about being a city where everyone can be themselves. People, from over came to join in paddling through the canals and basically turning the waterway into one big party, about love, acceptance and standing up for what you believe in. The atmosphere was just electric.The parade is way more, than a face. It's a potent voice for social change shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community. As the boats floated down Amsterdams canals the crowds cheering them on were electric. It's moments like these that show what this city is about; being open embracing progress and welcoming everyone with arms. With people coming from over the world to join in or just watch it's clear why Amsterdam is seen as a champion of rights and a haven for people from all walks of life. The citys canals have witnessed a lot of history. Events, like this remind us that Amsterdam is still a place where people can come together and fight for whats right.
There's more, to the Amsterdam Pride boat parade than a day out. Beneath all the decorations it's a reminder of the reality many LGBTQ+ people face every day. The struggle for equality and acceptance. This event does more than just bring people together it inspires a sense of community. Sparks activism that lasts after the partys over. You can feel it in the streets, where festivals and discussions take place and people, from all walks of life come to show their support. It's a time when everyone can unite and fight for a cause.The city of Amsterdam teams up, with groups and international charities to run awareness campaigns that tackle issues like discrimination, gender and mental health. It's great to see all sorts of people getting involved from youngsters to activists because it shows that everyones voice matters. This mix of celebration and action is really what Amsterdam is all about. Being a place where everyone's welcome and has the chance to thrive. By working the city is making a statement about its commitment to human rights and fairness for all. Amsterdam wants to be a leader, in all this. Its easy to see why.
The Pride boat parade is something the floats and decorated vessels that sail through the canals are truly amazing. It's, like a show with each boat trying to top the others in terms of how cool they look and how well they get their message across. Some of the boats go out with people dressed up in costumes performing little skits and using all sorts of weird and wonderful materials to make their point. They're all celebrating the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes and that love and acceptance are what really matter. You'll see messages about hoping for a world mixed in with references, to movies and music that everyone loves and some really clever symbolism too.What a treat this event is. Not a fun show, but a chance to learn. It shatters stereotypes. Makes us question the way thingsre. Art and creativity are ways to bring about change. This spectacle proves it. By sharing stories and experiences it helps people, from backgrounds connect and see things from each others perspective.
Schalkhaar/Netherlands