Making Rainbow Waves: Amsterdam Pride 2025 lights up the city
– 2 min read
Amsterdam Pride 2025 wrapped up at the weekend with its world-famous Canal Parade, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to the city’s historic waterways. Around 80 vibrantly decorated boats sailed through the UNESCO-listed canals, transforming the city into a spectacular display of colour, music, and activism.
This year’s theme, All About Love, struck a powerful chord with participants and onlookers alike. Despite occasional showers and mild summer temperatures, the atmosphere remained electric. Now in its 27th year, the parade continues to be a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ visibility and celebration in one of Europe’s most inclusive cities.
While the event is known for its joyful spirit, it also served as a platform for political expression. Attendees raised awareness about global LGBTQ+ rights, including concerns over recent crackdowns in Hungary and controversial policies from the Trump administration in the United States. Some boats featured protest art, including mock graveyards and banners reading “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” and “Trump’s Actions Kill. Love Saves Lives.”
Palestinian flags were also visible among the crowd, and Dutch police arrested four activists who vandalised the Booking.com boat in protest of its listings in Israeli-occupied territories.
Among the high-profile guests was Nymphia Wind, the Taiwanese winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, who brought international flair and shared insights on the global drag scene.
Corporate involvement saw some changes this year. While companies such as ING, Heineken and PwC reaffirmed their support, others such as Amazon and Facebook withdrew sponsorship, citing evolving diversity policies. Deloitte chose to observe from a moored boat rather than participate directly.
For many, Amsterdam Pride remains one of a kind. “You’ve got a canal parade - you don’t have it anywhere else,” said one attendee, highlighting the city’s distinctive approach to Pride.
