{"id":36370,"date":"2026-08-07T00:58:37","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T00:58:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/36370\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T00:58:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T00:58:37","slug":"amsterdams-pride-festivals-mass-wedding-in-photos-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/36370\/","title":{"rendered":"Amsterdam’s Pride festival’s mass wedding, in photos"},"content":{"rendered":"

AMSTERDAM (AP) \u2014 Dozens of people lined up in a pink church at Amsterdam\u2019s Pride festival on Thursday to get married, or at least married for the day.<\/p>\n

The Married For A Day event was part of the annual event\u2019s celebration of marriage, held a short walk away from where the world\u2019s first legalized same-sex unions took place 25 years ago.<\/p>\n

Click to Gallery<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A couple exchange vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"Newlyweds<\/p>\n

Newlyweds pose for photos after tying the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"Newlyweds<\/p>\n

Newlyweds walk out of an inflatable chapel after tying the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"Julia<\/p>\n

Julia van den Beek officiates during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"Newlyweds<\/p>\n

Newlyweds Jan Derksen-Wynn, left, and John Wijfjes pose for photos after tying the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A groom holds a bouquet of flowers as he waits to take part in a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"Jan<\/p>\n

Jan Derksen-Wynn, right, and and John Wijfjes kiss after exchanging vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"Guests<\/p>\n

Guests create a human arch for a couple as they enter an inflatable chapel during a mass wedding ceremony in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A couple prepare to exchange vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A couple exchange vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.<\/p>\n


\n \"A<\/p>\n

A couple exchange vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Newlyweds<\/p>\n

Newlyweds pose for photos after tying the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Newlyweds<\/p>\n

Newlyweds walk out of an inflatable chapel after tying the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Julia<\/p>\n

Julia van den Beek officiates during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Newlyweds<\/p>\n

Newlyweds Jan Derksen-Wynn, left, and John Wijfjes pose for photos after tying the knot during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"A<\/p>\n

A groom holds a bouquet of flowers as he waits to take part in a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Jan<\/p>\n

Jan Derksen-Wynn, right, and and John Wijfjes kiss after exchanging vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Guests<\/p>\n

Guests create a human arch for a couple as they enter an inflatable chapel during a mass wedding ceremony in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"A<\/p>\n

A couple prepare to exchange vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"A<\/p>\n

A couple exchange vows during a mass wedding ceremony in an inflatable chapel in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, as part of Pride events celebrating 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. (AP Photo\/Mouneb Taim)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

OXNARD, Calif. (AP) \u2014 Expectations are high for Dallas Cowboys rookie defensive back Caleb Downs, the No. 11 overall draft pick who is being counted on to help overhaul their defense.<\/p>\n

Downs’s personal goals are even more ambitious.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s for me to know, and y\u2019all to find out,\u201d Downs said.<\/p>\n

Downs has shown nothing so far in training camp to indicate he should set a ceiling on those aspirations, demonstrating every bit of the pedigree established during his college career at Alabama and Ohio State. That track record is one of the reasons the Cowboys have been comfortable using the 6-foot, 210-pounder in the slot and at safety.<\/p>\n

Downs played both positions in college, but new Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker seems to be looking at him as a slot defender first, a role that has taken on greater significance as the NFL has embraced spread offenses.<\/p>\n

Quarterback Dak Prescott cited the need for a standout nickel back to counter the use of elite wide receivers in the slot, listing off his top target in CeeDee Lamb and others around the league, including Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks, Ja\u2019Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose guys are moving around, and that\u2019s what makes these offenses great, when you can move these type of guys in and out,\u201d Prescott said. \u201cSo if you don\u2019t have a guy that can travel with them, if you don\u2019t have a guy that can match up and play that, you\u2019re putting yourself in a bind. And he not only has to travel and get inside when that guy goes inside, but he also has to stop the run. And so to have a guy that can do that, to be versatile, but more importantly physical, that\u2019s what makes great defenses great.\u201d<\/p>\n

Downs is already getting a sense of the position\u2019s demands from daily battles against Lamb, who has topped 1,000 yards receiving in five straight seasons. Coach Brian Schottenheimer recalled how Lamb beat Downs on a play during organized team activities, but the rookie was ready the next time that same route concept was used.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a young player, he\u2019s a rookie, he\u2019s going to make mistakes,\u201d Schottenheimer said. \u201cBut like I said in the spring, I\u2019ll say it again, he doesn\u2019t repeat mistakes, and that is a sign of a young man that understands X\u2019s and O\u2019s in football, and he\u2019s wired the right way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parker has been pleased with Downs\u2019 willingness to learn, particularly as he navigates different positions. It stood out to the 34-year-old Parker, who had success helping young defensive backs thrive in his previous role with the Philadelphia Eagles, during the pre-draft process.<\/p>\n

\u201cCuriosity is one thing for young players that you really look for,\u201d Parker said. \u201cThey want to know the why behind everything. We give them that up front, the intent behind each thing that we\u2019re trying to do. And so, I think, with him, he has that natural spirit about him for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

Downs, in turn, is able to to put those lessons to immediate use.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlaying under Kevin Steele, coach (Nick) Saban\u2019s defense, playing under Jim Knowles, and playing under Matt Patricia, I have a lot of defensive knowledge to bank from, and I feel like that allows me to play fast out here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery day, things slow down just a little bit, and that\u2019s how it\u2019s supposed to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Downs has also shown strong communication skills, which are important as Parker stresses the need to take and receive information as the foundation of a successful defense. Cornerback Cobie Durant said the slot defender serves as a valuable conduit between the linebackers and cornerbacks in relaying and adjusting coverages, putting Downs in a key role.<\/p>\n

Those abilities allowed Downs to thrive in two of the most demanding systems in college football. He had six interceptions, a forced fumble, 16 tackles for loss, and 257 total tackles in 44 career games, earning numerous individual honors and winning a national championship after the 2024 season.<\/p>\n

The confidence Downs carries from those experiences is what has impressed his fellow Buckeyes alum, safety Malik Hooker.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve seen Caleb day in and day out lining up against CeeDee, and he gives him his respect, obviously, it ain\u2019t nothing like that,\u201d Hooker said. \u201cBut every play he gets a chance to line up against him, he feels like he\u2019s going to win that rep, and that\u2019s the type of mentality we want on this defense. Especially coming from a guy that we\u2019re expecting to play a lot, and not only play a lot, but to be a difference maker in our defense.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rookie LB Jaishawn Barham left practice early Thursday because of an apparent groin injury. A third-round pick out of Michigan, Barham has been a standout early in camp.<\/p>\n

AP NFL: https:\/\/apnews.com\/hub\/nfl<\/p>\n


\n \"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs catches a pass during the NFL football team’s training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs signs autographs during the NFL football team’s training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ceedee Lamb, left, breaks away from defensive back Caleb Downs during the NFL football team’s training camp, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n


\n \"Dallas<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs, right, runs a drill during the NFL football team’s training camp, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, in Oxnard, Calif. (AP Photo\/Mark J. Terrill)<\/p>\n

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