Many lively festivals are held in Amsterdam throughout the year. You will definitely enjoy these events – from the fun packed Queens Day celebration of the Orange Festival to the loud and queer gay Pride March to concerts on floating platforms in the lovely Prinsengracht canal to Amsterdam Dance Event’s electronic beats to the nerve-wracking Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival.
Queensday
If you happen to be in the Dutch capital on the last day of April, then you are on for something spectacular. It is your chance to see how the Dutch go wild and crazy. The festivity is one huge orange party because of “the House of Orange”, the Dutch Royal Family. It is celebrated not on the Queen’s actual birthday, but on April 30, the birthday of her mother. While the whole of the Netherlands celebrates, it is best to celebrate it in the capital city. The entire Amsterdam turns cracked and orange, and visitors from different cities and countries come to experience the fun.
Expect big parties around the Leidsesquare and Rembrandt square, Spui and Museumsquare, where famous local and international artists enjoy the loud music. If you prefer a cozier atmosphere, then head to the Jordaan area, where lots of things happen on the streets. Take your children to Vondelpark, where there are many activities for children.
Gay Pride
Amsterdam is undoubtedly the Gay Capital of the World. There is little explanation for that. One of the most anticipated gay events in the city is the Gay Pride March. Celebrated in the first weekend of August, many gay men and women from all over the world stage a pride parade on the canals and numerous parties. The events draw enormous crowds, more than half a million, just to see the colorful spectacle
Hartjesdagen
The Hartjesdagen festival is way smaller than its more popular counterpart, the Gay Pride. This vivacious and wild event is celebrated in the Nieuwmarkt area. In the third weekend of August, men dress up as women, and vice versa – the thing they have been doing for centuries. This fun-packed festival dates back to the Medieval Period, as many historians believe.
Grachtenfestival
Grachtenfestival is where a series of concerts is held at different unique locations: private homes, churches, and even on boats. Traditionally, the final concert is held on the Prinsengracht on a floating platform built over the canal. This is a very Amsterdam stuff. Locals and visitors alike try to get the best views in the canal.
Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival
Movies that are nerve-wracking, films that shock and overwhelm – a good bunch of are screened during the famous Amsterdam Fantastic Film Festival. Often held in April, this film festival shows only the following genres: horror, fantasy, thriller, sci-fi, cult, and anime. From art films to commercial ones, from Dutch production to films from the other side of the planet, the festival will definitely satisfy moviegoers and critics who like to be dazed. Also, the Night of Terror screens fantastic short films from European countries, giving you a much-deserved goosebump.
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