Amsterdam Events and Festivals

Commemoration of the February Strike: dating from WWII, when Amsterdam's dockers disagreed with the Nazi's treatment of the Jews, this special day celebrates this opposition every year towards the end of February on J D Meierplein.

Antiques Fair: held at Dam Square at New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and one of Amsterdam's most endearing landmarks and attractions, the annual Antiques Fair is a favourite event for many of Amsterdam's residents. The event is also attended by a growing number of overseas visitors.

Amsterdam Carnival: held on a Sunday in mid-March, the Amsterdam Carnival features a silent procession (Stille Omgang) through the city to commemorate the Miracle of the Host, which dates back to the mid-14^th century.

Queen's Day (Konninginedag): one of the best times of the year to be in Amsterdam if you like street parties, this event sees the centre of Amsterdam become pedestrians-only to celebrate Queen Beatrix's Birthday, along with street markets, festivities, fireworks and lots of merry-making.

Holland Festival of Dance, Music and Drama: held throughout most of June and touted as the Netherland's feast of culture, the Holland Festival is held at the Stadsschouwburg and at other nearby venues. Acts are performed from around the world, with operatic, theatrical, dance and musical events.

Summer Festival (Zomerfestijn): this popular annual event of music stretches from July to September and features numerous free concerts and theatre performances held during the afternoons and evenings. The concerts are generally performed at the pavilion in the Vondelpark, while the Pulitzer Hotel is the venue for classical music performances.

Gay Pride: an annual event run by Amsterdam's sizeable gay community, Gay Pride is held in early August and features a joyous festival atmosphere, the highlight of which is the colourful carnival parade on Prinsengracht.

Uitmarkt: held in the last weekend of every August, the Uitmarkt celebrates the opening of the cultural season in Holland with theatre and dance performances. Thousands of people turn out for the event, held at the Museumplein.

Amsterdam Flower Pageant (Bloemencorso): held on the first Saturday of September, the colourful Amsterdam Flower Pageant parade runs all the way from Aalsmeer (southwest of Amsterdam) to Amsterdam.

Jordaan Festival: another musical event in the city which sees several musical happenings in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam in mid-September, including choirs, brass bands and smartlap (tear-jerker music).

St Nicholas' Entrance Parade: a good one for the kids if you are here in mid-November, St Nicholas' Entrance Parade marks the beginning of the Christmas season with Holland's version of Santa Claus. Children receive pepernoten (spice biscuits) from the Moorish helpers.

New Year's Eve: Amsterdam celebrates with huge firework displays around Nieuwmarkt/Chinatown and Amsterdam harbour at midnight. Traditionally, oliebollen (doughnuts without the hole) are consumed at this time.