Amsterdam, known as the “Venice of the North,” is celebrating the 400th anniversary of its iconic canals this year with a series of open-air concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. These winding canals, designed in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, create a scenic network of more than 100 kilometers of waterways. This impressive architectural feat, consisting of 165 canals and 1,281 bridges, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
While often compared to Venice, Amsterdam actually boasts three times as many bridges as the Italian city. The highlight of the year will be Queen’s Day on April 30, when around 800,000 visitors are expected to fill the canals in a vibrant display of orange to celebrate Dutch royalty. This year’s celebration will be especially notable as Queen Beatrix is set to abdicate, passing the throne to her eldest son, Willem-Alexander, and his wife, Máxima. Willem-Alexander, who will be the first king since 1890, will be 46 when he ascends the throne. The royal couple will take part in a boat parade along the canals before their inauguration at De Nieuwe Kerk (the New Church), where they were married in 2002 and where Queen Beatrix’s reign began in 1980.
This summer, the canals will also host Amsterdam Gay Pride, expected to draw around 350,000 visitors. The festival, running from July 27 to August 4, will feature a theme of “Reflect,” encouraging participants to remember the origins of the LGBT movement. The canal parade on August 3 will showcase about 80 elaborately decorated boats, marking the festival’s main event.
