/ 
On August 2, 2024, Amsterdam was the scene of a surprising final parade of amphibious cars. Due to new environmental restrictions from 2025, this unique event will no longer be held in the city. Enthusiasts seized the opportunity to celebrate a tradition that is coming to an end in dazzling colors.
The last dance of amphibious cars
Amsterdam hosted its last amphibious car parade on August 2, 2024, before the new environmental regulations due to come into force in 2025. This year's parade was spread over 4 days, with a route through the city's canals and visits to the neighboring towns of Monnickendam and Utrecht.
This year's parade was an emotional celebration for amphibious car enthusiasts. The number of participants peaked at 100, an exceptional figure due to high demand and an imposed waiting list. Roy Bolks, the event's organizer, stressed the importance of this ultimate gathering, while lamenting the limits imposed by current technology. Electric amphibious cars, although present, are rare, and their use on water remains complicated by the weight of the batteries.
Rigorous regulations
What's the reason for this latest parade? From 2025, Amsterdam's canals will be reserved for zero-emission vehicles. This new legislation aims to improve air quality and protect the city's waterways, but it poses a major challenge for amphibious cars. '' Everyone has to think about the environment, and we understand that, but it's a shame we can't easily make these cars electric. So we're going to make the most of this last time said Dutch participant Onno den Boer.
Towards a new chapter in navigation
Despite the end of the event in Amsterdam, enthusiasts can rejoice in the knowledge that the parade will continue elsewhere. Next year, the show will move to Belgium, near Ghent. It may also find another home in the Netherlands, in the province of Friesland, where local legislation is less restrictive. The organizers remain optimistic about the future of this iconic event, and hope that technological advances will enable amphibious cars to return to Amsterdam in years to come.
