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WHERE: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
WHEN: 26 – 27 July 2024
The most beautiful, fun and engaging Carnival party in all of Holland … in the middle of summer!
Sparkling costumes. Wonderful dances and songs. Tropical music …
Every corner of Rotterdam is a riot of sound, light and color. The Rotterdam Carnival, or Zomercarnaval as they call it around here, invades squares and streets.
Born in 1984 to show the city the spirit of the Caribbean carnival, the Rotterdam Carnival almost immediately gained great popularity. A success that has grown year by year, with an ever richer program.
Today it has achieved worldwide fame, so much so that it is even compared to the famous Notting Hill Carnival.
At the base of its success its multi-ethnic and multicultural character, which is well suited to the spirit of the city and its inhabitants.
A real meltin pot of different nationalities, with a typically Caribbean atmosphere.
The party is practically everywhere.
Everyone is invited. Young and old, boys and girls, adults and children.
Getting dressed is not mandatory but absolutely recommended to get into the spirit of the party. Password: fun.
A carnival, as described by the organizers, without limits, and inspired by diversity!
PRACTICAL INFO
THE PLACES OF THE PARTY
The carnival takes place in the center of Rotterdam, in an area of about 5 km that encompasses the main streets and squares of the center, including Coolsingel.
The places are perfectly reachable on foot, or, alternatively, with the efficient public service.
The car is highly not recommended. On the occasion of the parade and special events, several streets will be closed to traffic.
ROTTERDAM CARNIVAL PROGRAM 2024
The 2024 edition of the Summer Carnival takes place for 5 days, from Tuesday 23rd to Saturday 27th July. It starts with the election of the Queen, generally elected on the second Saturday of July, among the candidates belonging to the various carnival groups. In addition to beauty, the chosen one must have excellent dancing skills.
There will be concerts and shows throughout the city, especially between Friday and Saturday.
Here are some of the main events not to be missed.
PARADE
More than 2,500 Latin American dancers, 30 carnival groups, 30 musical groups and DJs and 20 allegorical floats crisscross the 5 km of the routes in the center of Rotterdam.
All you have to do is let yourself be carried away by this wonderful and colorful parade.
It takes place on Saturday 27 July, the last day of the Rotterdam Carnival.
Also this year, an interesting “appetizer” will be the Illuminated Parade. Thousands of lights illuminate Coolsingel. Appointment Friday 28, from 22:00 to 23:00.
Photo ©, Qsimple, Memories For The Future Photography
BATTLE OF THE DRUMS
Musical groups march in the direction of Hopflein ready to challenge each other with… drum beats, on specially set up stages.
To the winners the coveted prize of the Golden Drum.
FESTIVALMARKT
The Fesival Market is the culinary heart of Rotterdam’s Summer Carnival. It takes place mainly all along Coolsingel. Here you can savor the tastiest dishes of cuisine from around the world: Grilled Surinamese chicken, Antillean satay ku batata, Hindustani bara and much more. In addition to good food, the Mercado also offers the trendiest bags, sunglasses, jewelry, the latest CDs and gadgets.
It takes place on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 July 2024.
*The program, timetable and all information contained herein are for information purposes only and are not to be considered OFFICIAL.
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