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# Making Rainbow Waves: Amsterdam Pride 2025 lights up the city
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/making-rainbow-waves-amsterdam-pride-2025-lights-up-the-city/
- Published: 2025-08-04T12:46:12.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-04T12:46:12.000Z
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Europe

**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.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/527300515_18516448258045435_6611266945106457060_n.jpg)

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.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/2025/08/526207663_18516363142045435_4669611647095617159_n.jpg)

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.