In brief
The Dutch capital erupted in color and music on Saturday as supporters turned its historic canals into a live stage for 80 Pride boats. The parade launched WorldPride 2026, attracting visitors worldwide. Participants in vibrant costumes waved as their vessels proceeded, delivering a jubilant celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. Police patrol boats surrounded the waterways, echoing heightened security after a deadly Berlin Pride incident. Despite the caution, the community’s spirit shone bright along the waterway.
Thousands of revelers lined the canals of Amsterdam on Saturday, turning the city’s waterways into a vibrant showcase of color, music and pride as 80 specially decorated vessels sailed past.
The procession marked the opening of WorldPride 2026, the largest global celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights, drawing visitors from around the globe to the Dutch capital.
Participants, many in flamboyant costumes, danced and waved from the flotilla as their boats glided along the canals, creating a living tableau that mirrored the city’s historic waterways.
Security measures were visibly increased, with police boats and patrols monitoring the waterway – a precaution taken weeks after a tragic Pride attack in Berlin that left one dead and dozens injured.
Despite the heightened security, the parade exuded a sense of joy and solidarity, underscoring the resilience and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.