Rotterdam Summer Carnival: dozens arrested, firearms and knives confiscated

Police arrested between 35 and 40 people during the annual Summer Carnival in Rotterdam on Saturday, though both police and organizers said the event largely unfolded without major incidents.

Officers conducted preventive searches at several locations in the city center throughout the day. Multiple knives and several firearms were confiscated during those checks, according to police. Some individuals were also detained for public intoxication or for failing to show valid identification. Despite the arrests, police told NOS the event went ahead “without major incidents.”

The colorful Straatparade drew tens of thousands of people to Rotterdam. Dozens of floats and dancers moved through the city, and while no official attendance figure was available—due to the event not taking place on a closed-off site—organizers said crowd levels were similar to past years.

By 7 p.m., the parade was “as good as finished,” the organization reported. A spokesperson added, “We were lucky with the nice weather.” Large crowds remained downtown into the evening, especially near Beurs, where police eventually asked to head home.

The Summer Carnival is inspired by carnival traditions from the Antilles, Cape Verde, Suriname, and Spain. In 2023, UNESCO recognized the celebration as intangible cultural heritage. Festivities were expected to continue late into Saturday night. Police said they would give a full update on public safety once the event concluded.