The Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival, or ‘Zomercarnaval’, is inspired by the Brazilian carnival and brings together music, dance, theatre, street parties and a parade as part of an extravagant event, which is entirely free to attend.
The Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival is reminiscent of the carnivals from Latin-America and encompasses the different cultures, but especially that of the Netherlands, Antilles and Cape Verde. The closing event for this celebration is the Street Parade, and includes thousands of dancers from various countries.
The Carnival starts on the Friday evening with a contest demonstrating the best band, in the Battle of Drums, with the flowing rhythm of the drumbeats being hear from miles away. The bands depart from different locations in Rotterdam, following a procession which leads to the Churchhillplein Square and culminating in one big show of all the bands.
The Summer Carnival actually begins on Saturday, where the elected Summer Carnival Queen will be the main character and ambassador for the Rotterdam Summer Carnival. The grand finale of the event is the street parade, when Rotterdam is transformed into a tropical paradise for the day.
The event includes a colourful and extravagant parade of brass bands, elaborately dressed dancers, big trucks playing loud rhythmic music, as one procession making its way through the streets of Rotterdam. As well as the music and dance performances, there are poetry readings and tropical inspired food and drinks from hundreds of food stalls, to allow visitors the opportunity to experience the Caribbean first-hand.
from £249pp
(London City Airport)
—
(Rotterdam The Hague Airport)
Bed and Breakfast
– Accommodation
– Direct Economy Flights
from £309pp
(London City Airport)
—
(Rotterdam The Hague Airport)
ROOM ONLY
– Accommodation
– Direct Economy Flights
from £319pp
(London City Airport)
—
(Rotterdam The Hague Airport)
ROOM ONLY
– Accommodation
– Direct Economy Flights
– Breakfast
Visit the official carnival website for more information.