This June we’re celebrating Pride Month alongside millions of others around the world!
With no shortage of parties, picnics, and parades to take part in, we’ve put together a list of the top destinations for the ultimate Pride experience.
New York
New York is home to the first Pride march, dating back to 1970. With millions of people attending, and numbers growing each year, this celebration is like no other and is certainly not to be missed.
This year the famous parade will take place on 25th June 2023 portraying the official theme ‘Strength in Solidarity’ - encouraging supporting and uplifting one another. You can expect a feast for the eyes with over 110 floats decorated in all colours of the rainbow as well as a whole host of vendors, street entertainment and interactive activities setting you up for a fun-filled day!
Manchester
Manchester Pride is leading with love this year, with the theme ‘Queerly Beloved’ celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the Marriage Equality act being passed in England and Wales. The city is encouraging people to think ‘hearts, roses and cupid’ when dressing up, or go for something a little different with a ‘Mother of the Pride’ or ‘Mate of Honour’ costume.
Over the four-day August bank holiday weekend, the Gay Village Party will see a diverse line-up of music and performances at Sackville Gardens including an appearance from Brazilian drag sensation Pabblo Vittar. Theres even dedicated events for youth and families making the celebrations accessible to everyone!
On the 26th August 2023 tens of thousands of people will take part in marching through the streets in a spectacular sea of colours promoting love for ourselves as well as our LQBTQ+ communities.
Berlin
The Berlin Pride Parade, also known as Christopher Street Day, is one of Europe’s biggest pride celebrations. Roughly 500,000 people will fill the streets from Kurfürstendamm to the Brandenburg Gate on 22nd July 2023, ending the night with an energetic concert featuring live music from special guest bands and DJ’s!
Expect an evening of good food, even better music, and a lot of dancing! But that’s not all, make sure to check out the pride boat parties, film screenings and beach parties taking place throughout the city. If you’re looking something a little more laid back, then the queer picnic at Volkspark Hasenheide will be just the thing for you!
Madrid
Madrid’s Pride week celebrations really are like no other! Centred around Chueca neighbourhood, the festivities kick off on 23rd June 2023 with around 2 million people flying from all around the world to attend. There are 6 different stages dotted around the city ready to host exhilarating outdoor concerts with the official opening ceremony taking place at Plaza de Pedro Zerolo.
The week is filled with music, parties, cultural events and so much more! There are chances to take part in the famous high heel race or the Mr. Gay Pride Spain competition too. Even our furry friends are welcome to join the party as Madrid host a ‘Feathers & Paws’ pink carpet which pets can strut their stuff down.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s weekend Pride Parade will begin on the 1st August and continue on through the following six days. With over 300 activities and events planned there really is something for everyone! Celebrations include an open-air cinema, concerts, street parties as well as special events such as the drag queen Olympics and the handbag throw.
However, the main attraction is the infamous and unique canal parade where lavishly decorated boats put on the ultimate show with onboard DJ’s and showstopping themes. The surrounding walls and streets are lined with thousands of people cheering on and enjoying the party creating an unmissable atmosphere.
Sao Paulo
The carnival vibe of the Sao Paulo Pride parade makes for an extremely extravagant and colourful celebrations, not to mention having the title of the biggest Pride parade in the world! Up to 5 million people have attended the event in a single year which has been going since 1997.
The parade starts at Avenida Paulista with plenty of floats, feather, amazing costumes and dancers putting on a magnificent show. It ends at Ibirapuera Park with a concert that you don’t want to miss. The iconic celebrations continue throughout the city with pool parties, food stalls and so much more!