Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin appear as kissing inflatable figures during Amsterdam's WorldPride 2026 Canal Parade
During Amsterdam’s WorldPride 2026 Canal Parade, large inflatable figures of President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin drew significant attention from the crowd. The installation, titled “The Kissing Couple,” featured the two leaders with pursed lips and holding tulips behind their backs, eventually moving together to create the illusion of a kiss. Organizers stated the display was intended to highlight a human element rather than to be provocative. The parade featured approximately 80 boats, including those representing the local lesbian, leather, and cannabis communities, as well as organizations promoting international trans identified pride. The event also served as a memorial for victims of a recent Berlin Pride attack, where a van plowed into a crowd, allegedly killing one woman. Mourners gathered at the Homomonument to lay flowers and observe a moment of silence. The celebration included performances by pop stars Madonna and Kylie Minogue, while the Netherlands' out gay Prime Minister, Rob Jetten, made history by appearing on one of the parade boats.