Amsterdam Pride, a week-long festival of LGBT culture, has been nominated for Unesco heritage status by the Dutch government.
The annual festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of attendees, is renowned for its spectacular procession of decorated boats navigating the city's waterways.
Founded in 1996, the week-long event encompasses street parties, exhibitions and various cultural activities across seven days, with the canal parade serving as its centrepiece.
Should the bid succeed, Amsterdam Pride would join existing Dutch entries on the prestigious list, including traditional windmill operation, flower parades and historic irrigation practices.
Lucien Spee, the Pride director, told broadcaster AT5: "We have been working on this for a very long time.
"The chance to be nominated only presents itself once every four years. Finally, all the cards are in our favour."
Culture minister Rianne Letschert revealed the nomination after receiving guidance from the government's cultural advisory body.
The council explained its recommendation by highlighting the country's international standing in matters of gender equality, queer emancipation and sexual freedom.
Amsterdam Pride, a week-long festival of LGBT culture, has been nominated for Unesco heritage status by the Dutch government
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The Netherlands holds the distinction of being the first nation to legalise same-sex marriage, and Rob Jetten, the country's youngest ever prime minister, is openly gay while leading a minority coalition government.
The nomination marks the beginning of a process that can last up to two years.
Pride organisers must compile a formal dossier for unanimous approval by the council of ministers, the executive body comprising the prime minister and cabinet, by the end of March next year.
Unesco's final verdict is anticipated by the close of 2028, with a committee drawing on expertise from NGOs and specialists to reach its decision.
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The annual festival, which draws hundreds of thousands of attendees, is renowned for its spectacular procession of boats
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Crucially, the process contains no formal veto mechanism, meaning nations with anti-LGBT legislation cannot easily obstruct the application.
Assessments focus primarily on human rights compliance and evidence of community backing within the nominating country.
Britain currently has no entries on the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage List, having only ratified the relevant convention last year.
The UK is now establishing a national inventory of cultural practices, a necessary prerequisite for submitting traditions for international recognition.
The week-long event encompasses street parties, exhibitions and various cultural activities across seven days
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Late last year, the Government invited proposals for the domestic list.
Traditions under consideration for protection include the Gloucestershire cheese-rolling competition, the ancient practice of wassailing, the Notting Hill Carnival and the Birmingham balti.
Amsterdam Pride has been listed on the Netherlands' national heritage register since 2019, providing the foundation for its current international bid.
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