The Dutch love a good feestje (party) as much as the best of us — and it seems like they’re good at throwing ’em. So much so that one of the Netherlands’ yearly festivals has now been awarded UNESCO cultural heritage status.
Yup, Rotterdam’s popular Summer Carnival has even snagged a spot on the international UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, reports the NOS.
Rotterdam de Janeiro?
Everyone knows Brazilian carnival, but did you know that something very similar takes place in Rotterdam each year?
The so-called Zomercarnaval is the biggest “Caribbean street party of the Netherlands”. During the festival, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Rotterdam do celebrate the diversity of the Netherlands.
According to UNESCO, “groups from different backgrounds prepare [for the festival] for a year. Together they make costumes or cars and rehearse for the parade. This joint effort makes the Summer Carnival a ‘living heritage of humanity’.” We love to see it! 🌈
Want to dance your butts off at the next edition of Rotterdam’s carnival? Then save the date, the next edition takes place on 26 and 27 July 2024!
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Wasn’t there a shooting there this year? I’ve not heard any good things about this festival.