In brief
On Saturday, Amsterdam’s canals became the backdrop for 80 festively decorated vessels as part of WorldPride 2026. Thousands gathered to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities, dancing and waving. The Dutch capital ramped up security measures following a deadly assault on a Berlin Pride event, with police on the waterways. The event showcased inclusivity and resilience among the city’s diverse community.
Amsterdam celebrated its annual Pride boat parade on Saturday, drawing thousands of locals and international visitors to the city’s iconic canals.
The event, part of this year’s WorldPride 2026, featured a flotilla of 80 brightly decorated vessels that cruised past historic bridges and house facades, with participants dancing and waving in festive costumes.
Security was noticeably heightened, as police crews patrolled the waterways in motorboats and increased measures were taken on the banks of the canals.
The heightened precautions came just a week after a deadly attack on a Pride event in Berlin that killed one person and injured at least 29 others, prompting local authorities to double‑down on protective arrangements.
Despite the increased security, the parade exuded a sense of unity and celebration, illustrating Amsterdam’s commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility and the broader global movement toward equal rights.
