The organisers behind Pride Amsterdam announced this week that, while the event will go ahead this summer, there will be no canal parade due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Lucien Spee, director of Pride Amsterdam, said that even with vaccinations and the government’s testing for access programme, it simply was not feasible to host the parade while expecting participants and spectators to adhere to the 1,5-metre distance rule.
“We are pleased that the Pride Amsterdam can continue this year,” said Spee. “Together with the municipality, we are working on the most feasible program...This means that we will look at all parts and determine how they can proceed responsibly with the measures in force at that time.”
A coronavirus-proof version of the event will be taking place between July 31 and August 8, and the organisers will present the official programme at the beginning of July.
2021 will mark the second year in a row that there will be no iconic boat parade on the Amsterdam canals, but that doesn’t mean the event won’t still take over the city for one week, as celebrations are expected to be big - Pride Amsterdam celebrates 25 years this year.