what will you remember?

Amsterdam is considered to be one of the most LGBT friendly cities in Europe; nowhere else in the world will you find so many gay-friendly attractions per square metre. It is no wonder then that Amsterdam has become so popular with LGBT travellers. For centuries the people of Amsterdam have had a very relaxed and tolerant attitude towards different lifestyles. Some say the city is the birthplace of LGBT rights, with homosexuality decriminalised in 1811 and the first gay bar opening in 1927. In 1946 one of the world’s first gay rights organisations, The COC, was founded here.As a tribute to the many members of the LGBT community who lost their lives in World War II, Amsterdam unveiled the first ever homomonument in 1987 and in 1998 the city became the first outside of North America to host the Gay Games. And it doesn’t stop there, in 2001 the Netherlands was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage and the mayor of Amsterdam officiated the first gay and lesbian nuptials in the city.Today, Amsterdam continues to be one of the world’s most popular destinations for LGBT tourists and one of the main attractions is Amsterdam Gay Pride.

 

The event attracts over half a million tourists each year to join in the festivities and watch it’s infamous canal parade.

 

Recent awards include:

• 2008 – Best Gay Pride in Europe

• 2008 – Most hospitable event in Amsterdam

• 2009 – Best gay event in the world

• 2010 – Best city promotion event of the Netherlands.

 

Amsterdam Gay Pride plays host to over 100 events over the course of the weekend but our top three favourite events are:

 

1. DRAG QUEEN OLYMPICS

 

The Drag Queen Olympics are the world’s premier Drag Queen sporting affair with events including the Handbag Throw, the 100m Stiletto Sprint and the Tug-of-War. Last year's competition saw 26 ladies from all corners of the globe come to compete in the Dutch Capital, with many world records shattered.

 

2. CANAL PARADE

 

The highlight of the Amsterdam Gay Pride weekend is the famous Canal Parade on Saturday afternoon. Where most parades use trucks, Amsterdam has boats! 75 spectacular decorated boats with beautiful boys and girls will sail from 14:00 till 18:00 through the Prinsengracht and Amstel river. The gay parade is watched by 300,000 spectators every year.

 

3. CLOSING PARTY

 

The traditional Pride Closing Party - again this year on a massive stage at the Rembrandtplein - takes place late in the afternoon and early in the evening with many Dutch artists and DJ's. It's a mixed gay crowd, trying to survive the hangover and celebrating the last day of the Amsterdam gay pride.