About Carnival

The Rotterdam Summer Carnival (Zomercarnaval) is the largest in the Netherlands and one of Europe’s biggest, drawing a massive crowd. Featuring a vibrant procession of floats and thousands of participants, this spectacular event transforms the city into a celebration of color, music, and culture. 

Launched in 1984 by a group of Dutch Caribbean students, the carnival has grown into a cornerstone of Rotterdam Unlimited, a five-day festival held annually at the end of July.