The weekend’s Amsterdam Pride’s canal boat parade “blended festivity with activism” in a preview of what the city has in store when it hosts World Pride for the first time in 2026, insiders say.

Despite the forecast of unsettled weather and smaller crowds than usual, the atmosphere remained upbeat and relaxed, with organisers Pride Amsterdam calling it a “very special edition”.

“The quality of the boats was high, and the messages were powerful,” a spokesperson said. “You can tell everyone is waking up. Pride is protest.”

In 2026, the city will host World Pride for the first time. The global event, licensed by InterPride, promotes LGBTQIA+ rights and awareness around the world.

Amsterdam’s selection as host city coincides with the 25th anniversary of the opening of civil marriage to same-sex couples—a historic first for the Netherlands that changed the course of global equality.

“The opening up of civil marriage has triggered a first wave, but things are moving too slowly,” the Amsterdam Pride organisation said. “The silver jubilee will once again inspire and connect the world with numerous events and activities.”

This year’s parade also made room for protest. Activists from Amnesty International and XR Justice Now targeted sponsor Booking.com over its listings in Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.

Five people were arrested for disrupting the parade, police said, though they described the day overall as calm and without major incidents.

The parade also saw political calls closer to home with LGBT+ rights group COC urging voters to support pro-equality parties in the upcoming October general election.