The Summer Carnival is the highlight of Rotterdam Unlimited. After a number of years of restructuring, in 2022 the Coolsingel will once again be the heart of the 35th edition of Rotterdam Unlimited Summer Carnival. The famous Street Parade is to enjoy on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 July.
The beautifully renovated Coolsingel will be the magnificent backdrop for the Warming Up, the mini Lighting Parade, the Summer Carnival Street Parade, two live stages and no less than three sound systems.
Friday, July 30 will start with the Warming Up, a hugely popular program component. Three brass bands will depart at 18.00 from three different locations in the city. When they arrive at Coolsingel, each brass band will join its allocated sound system, after which the street party will open at exactly 7 PM with a great explosion of music as the brass bands freestyle with the sound systems for 15 minutes.
The lighting parade is a new element. It concludes Friday night’s programme. Thousands of tiny lights are incorporated into costumes and roadpieces, the dramatic effect of which is enhanced by the impressive decor of the Coolsingel. The participating carnival groups will be accompanied by the three brass bands of the Warming Up. At 11 pm, the programme finishes so Rotterdam can prepare for the final day on Saturday, July 30.
Queen and King lead Summer Carnival
The parade used to be spearheaded by an elected queen. But this is modernised with the Royalty Election. Summer Carnival is not only looking for a Queen but also a King. Both will jointly lead the Street Parade. The Summer carnival Streetparade means an explosion of color, music, high-energy dancing in a procession with iconic floats. The Streetparade is a 2,5 km procession with more than 2.500 dancers from all over the world, 25 carnival groups, DJs, and musicians that set the city center on fire every year. All dressed in spectacular costumes to celebrate the largest Caribbean streetparty in the Netherlands.
Photo: Joni Israeli
