It is an annual event in the multicultural city of Rotterdam.
The Dutch learned about it from students of Curaçao and Aruban descent in the early 1980s. Rather than taking place in February, the event takes place in July to ensure a summery atmosphere. Currently, it is a multicultural event that brings together Caribbeans, Europeans, and minorities living in the Netherlands from Central, South, and Africa. It consists of a number of elements such as the Queen's Election and Mecardo.
This event was known as 'Antillean Carnival' until 1984. Rotterdam Summer Carnival was named as a result of the involvement of Dutch residents of Brazilian and Cabo Verdean descent. Women traditionally perform some roles. During the Street Parade, transgenders have also been participating recently to promote acceptance of this community within the Caribbean community in the Netherlands. Families and grandchildren pass on their Carnival culture consciously.
Incorporating the Summer Carnival into the Netherlands, will draw attention to this form of carnival celebration and strengthen ties within it. Currently, Representative List does not include Western European carnival forms like the Summer Carnival that celebrate cultural diversity. As a result of the Summer Carnival's global reach, intangible forms of cultural heritage are promoted that relate to migration and decolonization. This is at a time when prominent 'white' heritage narratives are being decolonized.
The number of carnival groups participating in the festivities increases every year by three or four. Festival committee members organize workshops on organizing such groups, recruiting sponsors, designing costumes, and so on. There are usually three or four new carnival groups registered each year. Aspiring queens attend the Queen Academy to learn presentation skills, make-up techniques, and etiquette. In order to assist with crowd management, the Committee organizes training for volunteers. The organization recruits young volunteers as well.
Committee members have developed handbooks that contain regulations, photos, videos, grant applications, annual reports, and newspaper cuttings in order to ensure continuity during events. As well as amending regulations and handbooks each year, it takes into account any challenges encountered the previous year. A variety of marketing tools are used to promote the festival nationwide, including the website, outdoor campaigns, radio, television, and social media. Taking part in the program is mainly geared toward encouraging young people. An assistant has been recruited to assist with the website and social media. A collection of the Summer Carnival is included in Museum Rotterdam as part of the Authentic Rotterdam Heritage no. 0048 collection.