While the concept would have caused a flutter probably a decade ago, Gay Parades are no longer uncommon and unheard of. Today, they have emerged as a vehicle to support and give expression to a love, which is not defined by sex. Held annually at the center of Amsterdam during the first weekend of August is a Gay Pride Parade. However, what distinguishes it from other such parades across the world is the fact that it is essentially a canal parade, a parade held and celebrated in water.
It wouldn’t be wrong to refer to Holland as one of the world’s great capitals of gay culture because Amsterdam holds to its credit, the construction of the first gay monument ever. Moreover, Netherlands was among the first countries to legalise gay marriages, thereby making Amsterdam the perfect destination for this Gay Parade.
Amsterdam Gay Pride remains one of the biggest and best celebrations of its kind around the globe, drawing more than 350,000 gay and straight participants and visitors to Amsterdam.
Dates: From 26 July till 3 August 2014, with all major events taking place 1 – 3 August.
The week before the Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend features parties, events and activities all over town, both cultural and sportive. These include dance performances, concerts, cultural presentations, which are staged the entire week. As per estimates, a total of approximately 300 events take place in this week, all of them leading up to the big weekend, starting on Saturday.
Amsterdam Pride’s witnesses its biggest and top-attended events during the big weekend, which kickstarts with a series of street parties at streets namely Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel, Westermarkt, Paardenstraat among numerous others. The highlight of Saturday afternoon is the spectacular Amsterdam Gay Pride Canal Parade, which sails through the Prinsengracht and Amstel river. Participants on the lavishly decorated 80 vessels soak up the Dutch sun and put on a show with their onboard DJs. Sunday is the concluding day of this colourful event.
Canal Parade Route: The Canal Parade starts at 2 pm at the beginning of the Prinsengracht at the Westerdok harbour. At the end of the Prinsengracht, the parade turns left on to the Amstel river, passing the famous white Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) and passes the Stadshuis / Muziektheater to make a right in the direction of the Oosterdok.
Don’t Miss In 2014 Gay Pride Parade, Amsterdam
• Aug 1: Do not miss the hliareous Drag Queen Olympics at the Westermarkt.
• Aug 2: Canal Parade. At night, party at the popular Funhouse in 3 halls at the Westergasfabriek or join the popular bear party Bear Necessity at Odeon.
• Aug 3: Enjoy Closing Day at Rembrandtplein or Paradiso.
The climate of Amsterdam is strongly influenced by its proximity to the North Sea. Thus, the region witnesses an oceanic climate. The weather is moderate with the summers being moderately warm, but not hot and winters being cool. The average daily high in August is 22.1 °C. So if you’re planning a visit to Amsterdam during the Gay Pride Parade, do not worry about the weather as it is going to be just perfect!
If you’re looking for a hatke vacation, then you should definitely consider participating in the Gay Pride Parade, Amsterdam.
