When is Zomercarnaval 2024?
Zomercarnaval 2024 will always be held on the last weekend in July. The official dates for the 2024 Zomercarnaval are 26 July – 27 July, 2024.
Where is Zomercarnaval?
The Zomercarnaval Parade, street vendors and concerts are all concentrated in Rotterdam’s city centre. They are stretched out over an area of around five kilometres.
Just outside the central area of Rotterdam life is normal so if you want to take a break just escape the city for a few hours!
What is Zomercarnaval?
Zomercarnaval is a summer carnival that is all about diversity of cultures, music, dance, art and poetry. Rotterdam summer carnival features a huge street parade, drum battle and music concert.
Rotterdam is a fusion of many different cultures and their traditions which transform Rotterdam each year. Over one million attend Zomercarnaval to dance, party, enjoy the parade, eat some exotic food and be joyous.
Rotterdam Summer Carnival
Ask anyone from the Netherlands where is the best party? The answer they will give you is that you will find the best party in the world in Rotterdam at their annual Summer Carnival, Zomercarnaval!
Zomercarnaval is an exuberant and lively of summer carnival that occurs in the city centre of Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second largest city each year. Zomercarnaval attracts over one million people from all over Holland and beyond.
Most people wouldn’t expect this when it comes to Rotterdam. But it is true this port city hosts one of Europe’s biggest carnivals which has been a secret for way to long.
Zomercarnaval History
Zomercarnaval began back in 1984 when a bunch of students from the previous Dutch Colonies, Curaçao and Aruban wanted to carnival like they did when they were back home in the Caribbean Islands.
The first Zomercarnaval was held back in August of 1984. It was created to allow the residents of Rotterdam to experience how carnival is celebrated in warmer carnivals. The West Indies were originally the main inspiration on how the carnival was celebrated.
Zomercarnaval popularity continued to increase year after year and in two decades Zomercarnaval grew from a small Caribbean party into a giant three-day carnival celebration attended by over a million people, that celebrated cultures from all over the world.
Carnivaland recommends tours, events and accommodation based on our extensive experience and knowledge of them. We may earn affiliate commission from affiliate links in this article.Read more about our policy.
The Melting Pot Carnival
Rotterdam is a culturally diverse city, a melting pot city of 178 different nationalities. The more Zomercarnaval grew, the more that the character of the city, came to be represented. People from different backgrounds saw carnival as a chance to showcase their individual cultures.
Zomercarnaval gives their local citizens to proudly showcase their different cultures. Which is done through their music, dance, costumes, art and floats. All these different cultures fuse together to create an incredible extravaganza. Every culture has added some new element or tradition.
ZomerCarnaval is often compared to Notting Hill Carnival as they are both large all-day street parties. However, the key difference is that while both started out as Caribbean Carnivals, Notting Hill’s stayed loyal to its roots and Zomercarnaval on the other hand evolved to include more cultures and nationalities.
Crowning a Rotterdam Carnival Queen
A week before Zomercarnaval the city selects a Rotterdam Carnival Queen. People can vote online for their favourite candidate. The Carnival Queen is chosen from the carnival groups and the key requirement is that she can dance well.
The Zomercarnaval Queen is the ambassador for the Rotterdam Summer Carnival and leads the parade in a float.
Battle of Drums
Another highlight of Zomercarnaval is the Battle of Drums which occurs on Friday evening and sees the three best Dutch brass bands start playing from three different places in the city and then come together creating a spectacular show.
It is a very loud and rhythmic drumming show that can be heard everywhere in Rotterdam. The bands are competing for the title of Best Brass Band. The Battle is a great way to get in the mood for the following day of partying and parades.
Zomercarnaval Street Parade
The Zomercarnaval Street Parade is the biggest party day an occurs on the Saturday day when a huge colourful carnival procession of brass bands and thousands of amazingly dressed dancers and performers hit the streets of Rotterdam.
30 giant decorated floats with large Soundsystem’s pumping out the music, along with drums and the brass bands music fill the air with music, creating a Latin/Caribbean atmosphere right here in Rotterdam.
The streets of Rotterdam transform into a tropical paradise for one day! Zomercarnaval is one massive street party that everyone is invited to the party!
The Street Markets
One of the biggest highlights of Zomercarnaval is the delicious street food vendors that line the streets. Smells of delicious exotic foods fill the air. You are spoilt for choices there are vendors selling foods from all over the world.
Maybe you want to try some delicious Caribbean food like jerk chicken or beans and rice. Or maybe you would prefer some Japanese sushi. There is food from Asia to Africa. There is also plenty of exotic co*cktails, beers and free flowing rum.
The street markets also sell gorgeous arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing and more. So many unique and beautiful items on offer from all around the world.
Concerts and Performances
There is a lot happening all weekend. Rotterdam has numerous performances occurring all over the city. Various stages are erected throughout Rotterdam and for the whole week prior to the parade there are numerous performances you can go watch.
The concerts feature music, dance and comedy shows. There are even poetry readings held. The music featured at Zomercarnaval is varied from Caribbean soca tunes, to hip-hop, R&B, jungle, pop, live electronics. Whatever your musical taste you will find something that caters for you.
What to wear to Zomercarnaval?
Zomercarnaval is one of Holland’s most legendary events. A celebration of cultures from all around the world. The parades are colourful AF, with women dressed in colourful and elaborate feather headdresses and bejewelled bras. You don’t need to dress like the people in the parade but why not wear some playful pieces that will help you stand out from the crowds.
How much does it cost to attend Zomercarnaval?
Good news, Zomercarnaval is free to attend!
Zomercarnaval Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options in Rotterdam that cater for every budget. From hotels, hostels, B&Bs to apartment rentals there is something for everyone. Obviously if you want to be close to the action it is best to choose an area in the city centre so you can walk to everything.
It is important to remember that because hundreds of thousands descend upon Rotterdam for the weekend you must book your accommodation as far in advance as possible.
Check out Booking.com for some accommodation deals close to carnival here.
Is Zomercarnaval safe?
Rotterdam is considered a very safe city and the atmosphere of Zomercarnaval is always very friendly and positive. As with any big city take normal pre-cautions after dark. It is probably best to leave your valuable back in the hotel as some pickpocketing may occur
How to get to Zomercarnaval?
It is easy to fly to Rotterdam which has a well-connected international airport. The flight is less than an hour from London. You can also go via train, bus or drive as the city is well connected to the rest of Holland and Europe.
The streets of Rotterdam are brought to life with tropical music, cheerful colours and exotic scents. This is a not to be missed carnival experience. This makes Zomercarnaval incredible unique, people are not sure what to expect.
