Thousands Gather for Amsterdam WorldPride Canal Parade Under Tight Security After Berlin Attack
AMSTERDAM, August 1: Hundreds of thousands of people gathered along Amsterdam’s famous canals on Saturday as the city hosted the flagship Canal Parade of WorldPride 2026. The celebration combined colourful festivities with a strong message of solidarity, as organisers and participants said the event carried added significance following last week’s deadly attack at Berlin Pride.
Decorated boats carrying rainbow flags, balloons and performers sailed through the canals while large crowds cheered from bridges and waterfronts. The parade remains the centrepiece of Amsterdam Pride and this year’s edition forms part of the global WorldPride celebrations being hosted in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands was selected to host WorldPride this year as the country marks 25 years since becoming the first in the world to legally recognise same-sex marriage. Organisers adopted the theme “UNITY” for the two-week nationwide programme, highlighting inclusion and equal rights.
Security strengthened after Berlin Pride attack
Authorities implemented additional security arrangements following the recent attack at Berlin Pride, where one person was killed and more than 30 others were injured after a van drove into a crowd before the suspect was shot by German police.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had earlier announced that extra security measures would be in place for the WorldPride celebrations, although officials did not disclose specific operational details. Throughout the parade, police officers maintained a visible presence by patrolling the city on bicycles, boats and patrol vehicles to help ensure public safety.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the country’s first openly gay prime minister, also attended the Canal Parade, joining thousands of participants and spectators during the celebrations.
Organisers refuse to let fear overshadow celebrations
Despite heightened security, Amsterdam Pride organisers stressed that the event’s focus on equality, diversity and inclusion had not changed. They said the additional precautions were intended only to protect visitors while allowing the celebrations to continue as planned.
“The aim of terrorism is to spread fear, and we must not give in to that,” Amsterdam Pride spokesperson Martijn Albers said.
Many attendees echoed that sentiment, saying the tragedy in Berlin had strengthened rather than weakened their determination to celebrate publicly and stand in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
Source: Reuters
