One hundred green and white boats color the canal parade

This coming Sunday, the time has come. The 4th edition of the Grachtenfestijn, organized by the Grachtenfestijn Foundation. This year, the foundation is organizing the ‘Grachtenparade’ on Sunday afternoon starting at 2:00 PM, with a Green/White theme.

Sustainability is once again the central theme of the Grachtenfestijn this year, with electric boats and a hydrogen boat among the participants. One hundred Green/White decorated boats are expected to be on display in the Groningen Diepenring. Along the entire route, a flyboarder will lead the procession of boats through the Diepenring. Together with various choirs along the route, open terraces, and the collaboration with Floating Paradise and Groningens Ontzet, it promises to be a festive celebration on and around the waters of Groningen.

The Canal Parade will take place this coming Sunday starting at 2:00 PM in the Zuiderhaven. The procession of boats will then enter the Hoge- en Lage der A and sail a circuit of the Diepenring. Upon returning to the Zuiderhaven around 3:50 PM, attendees can enjoy a Big Band performance. At 4:30 PM, the prize for the best and most beautifully decorated boat will be awarded. Participants who still wish to register have until this coming Saturday at 12:00 PM.

Choirs/programming

The Grachtenfestijn Foundation encourages as much entertainment and open terraces as possible along the route. At Het Ludina Terras, there is a large bouncy castle for the children and a jazz session led by Bert van Erk. At the jetty of the Kool canal cruise company, the shanty choir Oosterstörm will perform their repertoire.

Full Canal Parade route
2:00 PM Zuiderhaven
14:30 Oude Kijk in ’t Jatbrug
14:40 Ebbinge Bridge
14:50 Poelebrug
3:00 PM Steenstil Bridge
15:10 Tromp Bridge
15:20 Herebrug
15:30 H.N. Werkman Bridge
15:40 Emma Bridge
15:50 Zuiderhaven
4:00 PM End of parade

For participants coming from the direction of Leekstermeer, there is the option to pass through the Eeldersluis on Sunday at 12:00. Additionally, there is regular bridge operation from the direction of Hoornsemeer.

The Grachtenfestijn draws attention to opportunities regarding water and sustainability that exist for the city and the Province of Groningen. The three-day program is as follows:

Friday, August 26:
1:00 PM: Networking event
5:00 PM: Let’s Gro meeting on water and sustainability.
The networking event is now full. However, it is still possible to register for the Let’s Gro meeting via www.grachtenfestijn.nlLet’s Gro is for entrepreneurs, residents, and the municipality/province.

Saturday, August 27:
1:30 PM: Various live performances starting at 1:30 PM.
10:00 PM: Samba band in the Zuiderhaven.
23:20: After the fireworks of the Liberation of Groningen, a DJ will play.

Sunday, August 28:  Canal Parade. Big band from 13:00 to 14:00 in Zuiderhaven.
1:00 PM: Performance by BigBand Zuiderhaven.
2:00 PM: Canal parade through the Diepenring.
3:30 PM: Performance by BigBand Zuiderhaven.
4:30 PM: Award ceremony for the most beautiful and best decorated boat of the Canal Parade
4:40 PM: End of Canal Parade.