On Thursday, August 21, the Pieremachocheltocht sails again through the canals of the city center. This colorful procession of self-built boats is imaginative, cheerful, and very musical. The most contagious street orchestra in Amsterdam is also present.
Toeters en Bellen has been playing festive and danceable music from all corners of the world for over 25 years with a lot of energy. So it’s no surprise that they are participating in the Pieremachocheltocht. The street orchestra is represented by about 15 musicians and plans to keep the atmosphere lively.
Hilarious event
This is the first time the musicians are sailing with the Pieremachocheltocht, says percussionist Anke Nobel. But it seemed to us a hilarious event, and we wanted to make music for it. A pieremachochel is a self-made vessel, often made from reused or found materials. As long as it floats, it can participate. Original, quirky, and imaginative indeed. And that fits well with Toeters en Bellen.
Knowing what to expect
We do like alternative events in the city center, says Anke. Close to the people and close to the audience. And in other parts of the country, we have already participated in similar events. So the orchestra knows what to expect.
A lot of cheerfulness
The orchestra itself will not sail on a pieremachochel. A skipper and a boat have been arranged specifically for the musicians. So they can play their hearts out during the parade. What can the audience expect from Toeters en Bellen? A lot of cheerfulness, a hefty dose of energy, and music that adds an extra dimension to the event. Come see and hear it.
Theme animal kingdom
This year, the animal kingdom is central during the Pieremachocheltocht. Participants are challenged to let their creative vessels be inspired by everything that flies, crawls, roars, or swims. There are also prizes to be won in the categories of the most beautiful vessel, the most original vessel, and the vessel with the most misfortune. The very first Pieremachochel competition in Amsterdam was held 50 years ago in Noord, for the 700th anniversary of the city.
Where and when
The parade starts at 1:00 PM at the Entrepotdoksluis and then sails via the Nieuwe Vaart, the Singelgracht, Amstel, Nieuwe Keizersgracht, and the Plantage Muidergracht back to the starting point. Find a spot along the quays and let yourself be carried away by the colorful procession and the live music of Toeters en Bellen.
SAIL 2025
The Pieremachocheltocht is part of SAIL 2025 (August 20 to 24), the largest free maritime event in the Netherlands. Want to know more about SAIL? Check out SAIL 2025.
Image: SAIL, Toeters en Bellen and the City Archive of Amsterdam