HAPPENING 26–27 July 2024 | Every summer the streets of Rotterdam are privy to a spectacle which has no equal anywhere else in The Netherlands: the Rotterdam Summer carnival and more specifically, the street parade.
What is Rotterdam Summer Carnival?
The Summer Carnival in Rotterdam is part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Netherlands. It is of great importance to the cultural identity and social cohesion of the country. The Rotterdam summer carnival street parade first took place in 1984.
Sure, there's carnival in other parts of the country. Such as the carnival celebrations in Brabant and Limburg. However, the Rotterdam summer carnival has a Caribbean flair. It includes many elements from Dutch-Caribbean carnival traditions and could best be compared to the Nottingham Carnival in Britain.
When is the next Rotterdam Summer Carnival?
Rotterdam Unlimited 2024 will take place on 26 and 27 July in different locations across the city. The festival is mostly free, with after-parties being the only events you need tickets for at the summer carnival.
Changes in 2024: No concert after the street parade
Rotterdam Unlimited 2024 will feature only a street parade, without the usual stage programmes on Friday and Saturday, due to new requirements from the Rotterdam municipality.
The new requirements, set by the municipality, mandate that the stage programmes must take place in a secured area with controlled access. Additionally, the street parade cannot end at the event location. The need for a secure area adds complexity and potentially higher costs, while the restriction on the parade's endpoint disrupts the traditional flow and celebration of the event.
These stipulations complicate the logistics and planning of the festival, making it impossible to organise the stage programmes within the given timeframe. Instead, there will be an extra festive parade on 27th July, celebrating its 40th anniversary and recent UNESCO recognition. Efforts will focus on planning a full festival for 2025.
Friday 26 July: Battle of the drums
The "Battle of Drums: Anniversary" event will take place on 26th July 2024, from 17:00 to 22:00 at Rotterdam Ahoy. This event marks the return of the popular drum competition, featuring spectacular showcases by previous winners like Ritmo Entertainment, TFM Brassband, and The Rhythm Allstar Brassband. In addition to the performances, there will be musical interludes and an outdoor mini-market with terraces. The event is free, but prior registration is required to receive a QR code for entry.
Saturday 27 July: Rotterdam summer carnival street parade
The Zomercarnaval Street Parade 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, 27th July, from 12:00 to 19:00 in Rotterdam's city centre. The starting location is Rotterdam Blaak. This year, the parade will be larger and more diverse than ever, with 43 participating groups.
This vibrant event features a colourful procession of dancers, music floats, drum bands, and spectacular costumes. Recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the parade covers a 5 km route throughout the city.
Queen Larisa and King Gillian will lead the parade in the first float. They will be accompanied by De Havenloods Zomercarnaval princess Inaya. The group Dushi Aventura, winners of Zomercarnaval Curaçao, will follow.
Saturday 27 July: Mercado
The Mercado at Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval 2024 will take place on Saturday, 27th July, from 12:00 to 21:00 across multiple locations in Rotterdam's city centre: Eendrachtsplein, Schouwburgplein, Coolsingel near Koopgoot, and Coolsingel near the city hall. This market features a diverse array of international cuisines, street food, and cultural merchandise. Spaces are 20 m² and include a booth and a power point. The market will only proceed if all four locations have sufficient interest by 15th May.
Saturday 27 July: Rueda de Casino
The "Rueda de Casino" event at Rotterdam Unlimited Zomercarnaval 2024 is set for Saturday, 27th July, from 12:00 to 16:00 at Stationsplein. This Cuban group dance involves a minimum of three couples dancing salsa or son montuno in a circle, with participants exchanging partners on command. It's a spontaneous dance with specific routines or figures led by a group leader. The event is free, open to everyone.
Rotterdam summer carnival street parade route 2023
route of the rotterdam summer carnival street parade in 2023
Still not sure if you should attend? Have a look at the Rotterdam Unlimited 2017 aftermovie:
