Rotterdam Summer Carnival 2025: all the tips and tricks!

Rotterdam Summer Carnival 2025: new rules shake up festival world

July 18 2025
6 min reading time

Imagine: you've spent months working on the perfect carnival costume, only to be turned away at the gate because your outfit doesn't meet the new, strict rules. That's exactly what could happen at the Rotterdam Summer Carnival 2025, where organizers are tightening the reins considerably this year.

On July 25 and 26, 2025, Rotterdam will once again transform into a vibrant carnival city, but under stricter conditions that are causing considerable debate. With approximately 2,500 dancers divided into 25 groups, the street parade promises to be another spectacle, but the question is: are all participants prepared for what's expected of them?

Revolutionary costume rules that change everything

The biggest change? T-shirts are completely banned as carnival costumes. Only technical staff are allowed to wear a simple T-shirt. This measure directly affects the wallets of many participants, who now have to invest in carnival costumes that meet the new requirements.

Body painting is permitted, but with one crucial condition: all "private parts" must be covered by actual clothing. Chocolate coatings or similar body paint without undergarments are strictly prohibited. Violations may result in exclusion from both the current and future festivals.

Dance style under fire: the bubbling ban

Perhaps even more controversial is the ban on "bubbling"—a dance style in which two people move their hips against each other. Organizers call this too provocative and inappropriate for the family-friendly nature of the event. Critics call it "colonial" and "racist" decision-making, which only increases the tension surrounding this issue.

[QUOTE: "The organization balances between festivity and family friendliness, but it does raise questions about cultural freedom."]

Practical consequences for participants

The new rules have direct financial consequences. Groups must now:

Take out mandatory liability insurance
Investing in tropical carnival costumes that meet the rules
Keep noise levels below 100 decibels
Keep a minimum distance of five meters from speakers

These measures make participation more expensive, but should increase the safety and quality of the event.

Route and logistics: prepare yourself

The parade starts as usual at 12:00 PM at Blaak and ends around 7:00 PM. The route winds through iconic Rotterdam streets: Schiedamsedijk, Witte de Withstraat, Museumpark, Nieuwe Binnenweg, Westblaak, Karel Doormanstraat, Weena, Coolsingel, and back to Blaak.

Visitors are strongly advised to park outside the city center and use public transportation, as many streets will be closed and parking garages will be difficult to access.

Historic milestone: first king and queen

For the first time in history, brother and sister Oneal and Celine Rodgers have been named King and Queen of the Summer Carnival. This first underscores the festival's evolution and the growing recognition of the cultural diversity that characterizes Rotterdam.

Cultural impact and social tension

The Summer Carnival is on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, underscoring its international significance. At the same time, the new rules create tension between cultural authenticity and organizational control.

For suppliers of Caribbean carnival costumes, the stricter regulations present both challenges and opportunities. Participants are now seeking high-quality outfits that guarantee they won't be turned away at the gate.

The future of Rotterdam's biggest street party

With these regulations, the Summer Carnival positions itself as a professional, safe event worthy of international recognition. The question is whether this approach will maintain the spontaneous, multicultural energy that makes the festival so special.

For those who plan to participate in 2025: prepare well, invest in a carnival costume that meets all the requirements, and keep the new rules of conduct in mind. It promises to be a memorable edition – for whatever reason.

Frequently asked questions about Summer Carnival Rotterdam 2025

What are the exact costume requirements for participants?

This year, the costume regulations have been significantly tightened to ensure the event's quality and family-friendly atmosphere. T-shirts are completely prohibited as carnival costumes, except for technical staff such as sound engineers, security, and catering. Participants must invest in full carnival costumes that fit the tropical, exotic theme inspired by regions like the Caribbean, Brazil, and Cape Verde.

Body painting is permitted but is not considered a full costume. All intimate parts of the body must be covered by actual clothing. Chocolate coatings or similar body coverings without undergarments will be refused. Violations may result in exclusion from both the current festival and future editions. Each group must choose a theme that reflects the tropical atmosphere, focusing on creativity and cultural expression. The organization will rigorously inspect costumes at the start of the parade, so please ensure your outfit fully complies with these guidelines to avoid disappointment.

Why is the dance style "bubbling" banned?

The ban on bubbling—a dance style in which two people move their hips against each other—has led to heated debate within the carnival community. The organizers consider this dance style too provocative and inappropriate for the family-friendly character they aim for. They argue that the festival must remain accessible to visitors of all ages, including children and families.

Critics of this ban consider the measure discriminatory and call it "colonial" and "racist" decision-making, as bubbling is an important form of expression within certain Caribbean cultures. They argue that the ban undermines the festival's cultural authenticity and excludes certain communities. However, the organizers are sticking to the rule, believing there are sufficient other dance forms to celebrate cultural diversity without disrupting family ties. Participants who fail to comply risk exclusion not only from the current event but also from future editions. This controversy highlights the tension between cultural freedom and organizational control within modern festivals.

How do I practically prepare for participation?

Practical preparations for the Rotterdam Summer Carnival 2025 begin months in advance with organizing the necessary documentation and equipment. Every carnival group is required to have third-party liability insurance, which can be arranged through the organizers for a modest fee. This is an absolute requirement for participation and is strictly monitored.

Sound aspects require special attention: music on floats may not exceed 100 decibels, and all participants must maintain a minimum distance of five meters from loudspeakers to prevent hearing damage. The organizers monitor these levels with professional equipment, and violations may result in disqualification. Regarding catering, no bars are permitted on floats, and food or drinks may only be distributed from a dedicated supply cart, exclusively to team members. Public distribution is prohibited, as is public drunkenness.

Transport and logistics also require planning: park outside the city center and use public transportation, as many streets will be closed and parking garages may be difficult to access. Invest in carnival costumes that comply with all regulations well in advance to avoid last-minute disappointment.