News of: Wednesday, June 15 2005,

Rainbow Square new event on Rembrandtplein during Amsterdam gay pride

Rembrandtplein square will be renamed 'Rainbow Square' during gay pride in Amsterdam, on August 5, 6 and 7.

From about 4pm till midnight there will be music and other performances on a big stage in the middle of the square. The event promises to become a major addition to the other gay pride festivities.

The licence to organize the Rainbow Square event is not given to the Gay Business Association, which traditionally organizes the canal parade on Saturday and most street parties.

The main attraction of gay pride is the canal tour of dozens of large boats, that sails along the entire Prinsengracht canal (the outer canal of the ring of 17th century canals in the centre of Amsterdam), the river Amstel, Zwanenburgwal and Oude Schans, ending at the Oosterdok, next to the Central Station.
The parade is organized on Saturday August 6, starting 2pm at the west side of the centre, ending around 5 pm at the east side.