Every year on the first Saturday of August our city is covered in bright colours, the city centre is crowded with extravagant people and we celebrate love during Gay Parade! Not just gay love but love for each other in general, whether you are gay, straight, bisexual, transgender or any other preference you may have. Besides the fact that I am happy to live in a country that celebrates this, I love this happy and bright day and every year I have a blast (it is my second favorite after Kingsday).
Some of my friends dress up, some just throw on some sneakers but all of us head to the centre. Friday night the fun starts with an outdoor celebration on Amstelveld and several parties in clubs and venues in Amsterdam but Saturday we have the Canal Parade. This awesome group of boats sail through the canals with boats representing many (governmental) organizations and foundations to show their support. The boats are usually well decorated (with decorations or by the people on them) and everyoneis partying their ass off.
The most fun places to go during gay parade are Amstel river (near Halvemaansteeg), all the canals, Amstelveld, Reguliersdwarsstraat and on Dam Square there is a big concert.
Have fun!