Crowds at Amsterdam Canals for Canal Parade, First Boats Departed
The highlight of Amsterdam Pride, the annual Canal Parade, began on 2026-08-01 with eighty boats sailing through the city’s canals. Large crowds are expected as Amsterdam also hosts WorldPride this year. Celebrations are underway in areas like Reguliersdwarsstraat and the Stopera. Prime Minister Jetten joined from Oosterdok, calling the parade a celebration of freedom but also emphasizing the need for protest, referencing last week’s Berlin attack. WorldPride marks the city’s largest LGBT event, coinciding with several community anniversaries.