AVROTROS

Description

Pride is Timeless – AVROTROS Pride Boat 2026

With the theme Pride is Timeless, AVROTROS celebrates the fact that diversity transcends eras. In a world where differences can sometimes divide, we show that it is precisely that diversity that connects us. Unity is not a given but an art: the art of seeing one another, recognising each other, and being proud together of who we are — then, now and in the future.

Our boat brings together culture, music and performing arts as a unifying force. Art is a universal language that makes room for everyone’s identity, dignity and story. The set, designed by theatre maker Steef de Jong, is at the heart of this message. His playful, colourful and layered style reimagines iconic images from art history into a contemporary, queer expression.

The visual world of the boat is dominated by shades of gold, a deliberate choice symbolising value, shine and pride. At the same time, gold points to a special anniversary year within the queer community: 25 years of marriage for same-sex couples, 30 years of Pride Amsterdam, 80 years of COC Nederland, 10 years of the Equal Rights Coalition and 15 years since the Declaration of Amsterdam. These milestones show what has been achieved together and why it’s important to keep cherishing that unity.

A queer music icon accompanies this ode to solidarity and self-expression, while the boat brings together a diverse group: AVROTROS staff, presenters, familiar faces from our programmes and young creators from the talent development programme De Muzen van Morgen. In this way we build a bridge between generations and perspectives.

Pride is Timeless is more than a theme — it is a statement. Pride is as old as the road to Rome: an ongoing movement of visibility, struggle, love and freedom. With this boat we celebrate not only how far we’ve come, but also that we continue to move, create and connect together.