With World Pride in Madrid already in full swing, what better time to write a blog post on the best upcoming Pride festivals? All around the world people are preparing to celebrate diversity and acceptance, promote change and have a great time in the process. Even if you’ve missed the chance to join in with the World Pride celebrations, don’t worry! There’s still plenty of cities gearing up for the festivities, so you haven’t missed out. Here is a list of some of the top Pride Festival dates this summer, and their locations.
Gay Pride London 24th June – 9th July
Photo via Ian Robertson
The UK’s first official Gay Pride Rally took place in London on 1st July 1972, to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969 and engage in peaceful protest for equal rights. Over the years, the event has changed in both name and nature – evolving from a political protest in times of social injustice, to its current-day Carnival format with the aim of celebrating the victories, embracing individuality and counteracting homophobia within the community. Today, the Festival is one of the largest in the UK, and comprises of numerous zones and stages.
Barcelona Gay Pride 28th June – 9th July
Photo via Nicholas Wang
Now in its 10th year, Barcelona Pride has become one of Europe’s most popular Pride celebrations with more than a quarter of a million attendees each year. The city has a long history of struggle for LGBT rights, and each year for just a few days Barcelona becomes the LGBT capital of the Mediterranean.
CSD Munich 8 – 16th July
In Germany, Gay Pride festivals are referred to as CSD (Christopher Street Day). The first Christopher Street Day in Munich took place on 28th June 1980. At that time it was called the “Stonewall Demo”. In most of the years that have followed there has been an annual CSD event. Today the festivities are a week-long affair with a well put together itinerary of events.
CSD Berlin 21 – 23rd July
Photo via David J
Christopher Street Day was celebrated in Berlin for the first time on 30th June 1979 and has seen the political agenda of the LGBT community broaden the definition of diversity and equality in the time since then. Today more than 500,000 people flock to the streets to attend the event, which is casually referred to as Germany’s largest LGBT “holiday”. The party usually starts the weekend before the main event, with large parties taking place in and around Nollendorfplatz.
Amsterdam Gay Pride 4 – 6th August
Photo via FaceMePLS
Located within one of the world’s most extravagant and open-minded cities, the Amsterdam Gay Pride Festival was always going to be something truly special. The event is the second largest festival to take place annually within the city, attracting more than 500,000 people.
During this weekend, the canals come alive with boat parties and on Saturday, guests can enjoy the vibrant Canal Parade, which features 80 extravagantly decorated boats that will sail down the Prinsengracht Canal and Amstel River.This year the Canal Parade will begin at 1.30pm.
Brighton Pride 4 – 6th August
Photo via Les Chatfield
Casually referred to as the Gay Capital of the UK, Brighton is unsurprisingly a popular destination for Pride Festival tourists. The event is more than just a festival. Numerous organisations join the parade with the aim of raising funds and awareness to combat homophobia in society and the media within the UK and to support the international fight to achieve equal rights for homosexuals overseas.
Prague Gay Pride 7-13th August
Photo via arda
Prague Pride is the biggest LGBT festival in the Czech Republic, and is organised by the Prague Pride Civic Association. The festival first took place in 2011. Year on year, the protest attracts increasing numbers of attendees and gains political and financial support from independent donors and small businesses. This year, the Parade will take place on 13th August.
Travelling for Pride? Check out some of our awesome apartments for these cities
Spacious Amsterdam Studio
Fusing contemporary themes with classic architecture, this eclectic apartment combines wooden floors, stuccoed ceilings and vintage furnishings with the modern conveniences such as free internet access and a TV. Guests can enjoy a leafy balcony with an outdoor dining table. Check out the apartment here.
Wenceslas Square Apartment
Nestled in the heart of the historic city of Prague, this bright apartment is just a 4-minute walk away from the lively Wenceslas Square. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a flat-screen TV, a computer with free internet access and a telephone. Check out the apartment here.
