Amsterdam Gay Pride 2009

On August 1, Amsterdam kicked off gay pride 2009, with the unique floating Canal Parade to the large outdoor street parties and legendary dance parties later in the night.

Considered one of the best Gay Prides in the world, the weeklong celebrations included club parties, street parties, concerts, film showings, exhibitions, and of course the world-famous Gay Pride Canal Parade. This year’s theme is "ExtraOrdinary".

Mayor Cohen, who wed the first gay couples in the world, married five gay and lesbian Dutch-American Couples in an implicit criticism of the lack of same-sex marriage in many U.S. states.

With 100 boats and half a million visitors the boat parade, together with the street parties, this has grown into the second largest event of Amsterdam: An event where emancipation and partying go hand in hand; and where young and old, gay and straight feel at home.

Check out more full sized photos from the world famous canal pride parade after the jump.

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