Trump and Putin ‘share a snog’ on Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade float as Dutch PM Rob Jetten joins celebrations

A giant Amsterdam Pride parade float depicting Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin sharing a kiss became one of the most talked-about sights of this year's celebrations, as hundreds of thousands of people lined the Dutch capital's canals for the world-famous event.

The float, titled The Kissing Couple, featured oversized inflatable versions of the US President and Russian leader leaning in for a snog as they travelled along Amsterdam's waterways during the annual Pride Canal Parade on Saturday.

Designed in the style of traditional Dutch Delft Blue pottery figurines, the two characters were dressed in blue-and-white costumes and each held a tulip while appearing to embrace. Trump was depicted wearing a dress while Putin wore overalls, as electronic dance music blasted from the boat and revellers danced alongside waving signs promoting love and unity.

The group behind the float said it had reimagined a symbol of love and togetherness "not to provoke, but to pause power for a moment and highlight something human".

The satirical display was one of 80 vessels taking part in Amsterdam's colourful Canal Parade, the centrepiece of the city's annual Pride celebrations and this year also part of World Pride events being hosted by the Dutch capital.

Among those taking part was openly gay Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who waved to crowds from a small boat as it made its way through the canals. Dressed in a white shirt and black life vest, Jetten joined thousands of participants celebrating LGBTQ+ visibility and equality.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators packed bridges, quaysides and canal banks to watch the flotilla pass through the historic city centre. Boats representing government ministries, the military, police forces, LGBTQ+ organisations and community groups took part in the procession.

Amsterdam Pride took place amid heightened security following a deadly attack at a Pride event in Berlin a week earlier that left one person dead and dozens injured. Ahead of the parade, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said authorities would take any necessary additional security measures while ensuring visitors could enjoy the celebrations.

Despite those concerns, the atmosphere remained festive as music echoed across the canals and rainbow flags fluttered throughout the city.

For many visitors, the event highlighted Amsterdam's longstanding reputation as one of the world's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations. Rod Lugtenburg, a visitor from Toronto attending World Pride, said: "For me, it's about acceptance, being able to be who you are."

Amsterdam Pride traces its roots back to 1996 and is unique among major Pride events for its canal-based parade rather than a traditional street march. While known for its colourful celebrations, organisers stress that the event remains a platform for campaigning on LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

That message was reflected by the Netherlands' LGBTQ+ rights organisation COC, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Its parade boat carried a manifesto calling for further progress on LGBTQ+ human rights and featured a portrait of Stonewall activist Marsha P. Johnson.