All aboard for Amsterdam’s epic Pride Week
Arguably one of the biggest highlights of Europe’s Pride Calendar, this year’s Amsterdam Pride is set to be its biggest, best and brashest yet.
Known globally as a leading gay tourist destination, a weekend spent at the city’s Pride festivities is one you are unlikely to forget, thanks to Amsterdam’s reputation as an inclusive, hedonistic and alternative place to wave your Pride flag high.
Everything kicks off on Friday 30th July, with the hilarious Drag Queen Olympics – the world’s premier Drag Queen sporting event! With categories ranging from the Handbag Throw to the 100m Stiletto Sprint and the Tug-of-War, this is the only way to start your weekend.
The biggest highlight of the Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend comes on Saturday afternoon, when the Canal Parade takes place – the only Pride parade in the world to use boats instead of trucks and buses. Over 75 spectacular decorated boats, packed with gorgeous boys and girls, will set sail from 2pm until 6pm along the Prinsengracht and Amstel river. Be sure to arrive early to claim your spot – over 300,000 spectators are expected this year.
As well as the awesome street parties, there is also real fun to be had sampling the city’s nightlife, with Amsterdam Pride attracting a host of international DJs to spin at circuit parties rivalling any you’ll find the world over.
Amsterdam Pride is also known as a prime destination for more fetish-friendly gays – don’t be shocked to see men in full latex bodysuits or leather chaps, unapologetically strutting their stuff down the ‘straat’ as if they’re marching a Fashion Week runway!
End your weekend with the traditional Closing Party, which this year takes place on a massive stage at the Rembrandtplein. Starting in the late afternoon and running until early in the evening, it’s a chance for gays of all shapes and sizes help each other survive the hangover and celebrate the last day of what is sure to be spectacular Pride weekend.
Special offer!
Situated about an hour away from Amsterdam on the gorgeous Netherlands coast, the Hotel van Oranje – part of the Autograph Collection of hotels – is offering an exclusive ‘out and about’ package, making it an ideal stop-off before or after Pride, or even a home base as you venture into the city for Pride events. With an amazing Spa & Wellness centre, five restaurants, an extraordinary Beach club and completely renewed rooms and bars, it’s surely the best LGBT hotel in Holland.
The Out & About Package is based upon 2 persons and consists of:
An overnight stay in a Deluxe Room in Hotel van Oranje, Autograph Collection
Bottle of lovely Champagne at arrival
A relaxing beauty treatment at Beauty Oranje
Luxurious champagne breakfast at restaurant De Orangerie
Free access to Aqua & Sauna Oranje with Europe’s largest indoor wave pool, heath cabins, multiple sauna, whirlpools, fitness and steam baths.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
For more information and to book the package, click here.
To book other exclusive Gay Pride Travel packages visit Marriottweekends.co.uk/pride
Words by JOE WILLIAMS