Amsterdam Prepares for Gay Pride Weekend 2012

When in Amsterdam....Gay Pride is one of the biggest weekend's of the year. Amsterdam was the first city in the world to allow gay and lesbian marriage. There is a large gay and lesbian community and once a year they can celebrate in style.

Westerkerk. The largest protestant church in the Netherlands where the Queen married in 1966.

Each year there is a parade along Amsterdam's historic canals. This year 80 boats will take to the water led by Amsterdam's Lord Mayor. The parade finishes at City Hall were civil union ceremonies will take place. The Netherlands does not recognize religious weddings only civil unions.

Amstel near Rembrandtplein.

Music stages will be set up throughout the city. Rembrandtplein, Reguliersdwaarstraat, Westermarkt and Amstelveld will hum with music creating one of the largest street parties of the year. Car parking centers in the city will also have pink tickets for the weekend. http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/parking-goes-pink-amsterdam-pride

Vijzelstraat in Amsterdam hangs the rainbow flag for Gay Pride

For a good vantage point of the canal parade get your position early. Recommended are along the Prinsengracht and the Amstel. If you can't make the parade follow on the internet with English commentary http://avro.nl/gaypride/Artikelen/youtube.aspx?r=1.

When in Amsterdam...enjoy.