ROTTERDAM, 3 July 2023 – Rotterdam gears up for the upcoming Zomercarnaval, a vibrant celebration that will take place at the end of this month. The highlight of the event will be the Straatparade (Street Parade) on Saturday, 29 July. With a route spanning five kilometres, more than 2,500 dancers, 25 carnival groups, 25 music groups, and DJs will electrify the Rotterdam city centre, moving from Blaak to Coolsingel. The NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting) will broadcast the evening's highlights live from a restaurant at Raadhuisplein. Additionally, a three-part series offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the preparations will be available on YouTube in the weeks leading up to the event.
The Zomercarnaval originated in 1982 as an Antillean festival in Utrecht. Since 1983, Rotterdam has become its home, and it has since evolved into a tropical celebration of diverse cultures, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators who revel in the art of dance, stunning costumes, music, and cuisine.
Zomercarnaval on television
Hosted by Malou Petter, the NOS program will feature engaging discussions with guests and showcase the most captivating footage, accompanied by insightful commentary from Saïna Lucio, one of the Zomercarnaval's costume designers. Viewers will also be treated to reports about the spectators along the parade route, preparations such as the selection of the festival's King and Queen, and a segment on the crowning of the first Queen back in 1983.
The NOS Zomercarnaval Rotterdam 2023 program will air on Saturday, 29 July, from 9:21 PM to 10:11 PM on NPO 1.
Zomercarnaval on YouTube
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the Zomercarnaval? The NOS has created a three-episode YouTube series that provides a comprehensive look into the event's preparations. Each episode, hosted by Salwa van der Gaag, will be approximately 10 minutes long and released in the weeks leading up to the Zomercarnaval. "On the Road to Zomercarnaval" will be available on NPO 3's YouTube channel.
Episode 1
Witness the process of selecting the King and Queen. The NOS will showcase the candidates' preparation, delve into the significance of this title to them, and explore their daily lives. The program will be present during the announcement of the winners and capture their emotions upon receiving the coveted title. Episode 1: Available online from Thursday, 13 July.
Episode 2
Discover what it takes to participate in the straatparade (Street Parade). From costumes and music to choreography, brass bands, and the jury, the episode will explore the intricate preparations involved. Episode 2: Available online from Thursday, 20 July.
Episode 3
The Zomercarnaval is a celebration that embraces many people and cultures. With the participation of 25 different cultures, the NOS series will delve into the importance of the event for each group, highlighting the symbols and rituals that characterize their respective cultures. Episode 3: Available online from Thursday, 27 July.
