WorldPride Amsterdam culminates with massive parade and democracy rally

WorldPride in Amsterdam concluded with a large-scale parade expected to draw hundreds of thousands of participants. The event featured performances by artists such as Olly Alexander and Lion, and a club celebration that included Madonna and Kylie Minogue.

European LGBTQ organisations, led by ILGA‑Europe and the European Pride Organisers Association, launched a coordinated campaign under the slogan “Protect Pride. Protect Democracy,” urging the European Commission and President Ursula von der Leyen to strengthen safeguards for peaceful assembly, free speech and association. The call follows a rise in anti‑LGBTQ violence, notably the deadly attack on Berlin’s Christopher Street Day.

Dutch Minister of Finance Rob Jetten opened the WorldPride conference, but his speech was interrupted by Palestine activists. The parade began at Martin Luther King Park and proceeded to Museumplein, marking the event’s finale and a public celebration of LGBTQ rights and democratic freedoms.