Amsterdam Pride

Amsterdam Pride is built around something no other Pride has: the Canal Parade, a procession of decorated boats through the UNESCO-listed canal ring, watched by crowds packed along the quays, bridges and houseboat roofs. It started in 1996. The Netherlands was the first country to open marriage to same-sex couples, and boats from ministries, the police, the army and big Dutch companies sit in the line-up next to community groups, which tells you how mainstream Pride is here.

The Pride period runs for about two weeks from late July. Before the boats, there is the Pride Walk, a protest march that ends in a free park party (the Pride Park in Vondelpark), plus film, debate and sport programmes. The Canal Parade itself is free to watch; boats sail from the Oosterdok via the Nieuwe Herengracht, the Amstel and the Prinsengracht towards the Westerdok, and participating groups apply months ahead. The best viewing is along the Prinsengracht and the Amstel, but space goes early, so arrive before noon. Street parties spill out from the gay strips in Reguliersdwarsstraat, Zeedijk and Amstel, and the big club nights are ticketed.