Rotterdam celebrates colourful Summer Carnival

ROTTERDAM – Rotterdam once again came alive with the annual Summer Carnival (Zomercarnaval), a festival that for more than 40 years has brought together cultures through music, dance and creativity.

Ahead of the main parade, the City Hall hosted an official reception attended by Rotterdam Mayor Carola Schouten and invited guests. The Aruba Cabinet was represented at the event by Public Relations Officer Sidney Kock.

In her address, Mayor Schouten highlighted the cultural significance of the Summer Carnival, which is recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. She thanked everyone who has contributed over the past four decades to making the festival a lasting success.

According to Schouten, the Summer Carnival not only brings together Rotterdam's diverse communities but also showcases the city's passion, creativity and multicultural identity.

The mayor also announced that Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival has been awarded the 2026 Rotterdam Oeuvre Award in recognition of its outstanding contribution to Rotterdam's image as an inclusive, creative and vibrant city.

Following the reception, invited guests watched the colourful parade from a viewing platform in front of City Hall.