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Explore ExperiencesJune is globally recognised as Pride Month, a month-long celebration and commemoration of the members of the LGBTQ+ community. Its roots originate from the Stonewall riots in 1969 which were a series of violent protests by the LGBTQ+ community to secure their rights in Manhattan.
Countries across the world celebrate Pride in unique and creative ways, the most popular being the pride parade. Pride parades are not restricted only to Pride month, but they take on an added meaning when people spill out on the streets urging the world to respect members of the LGBTQ+ community and accept them for who they are. Here’s a list of the best pride parades from around the world.
Sao Paulo Pride, Brazil
When: 19 June 2022
The first LGBTQ+ pride parade in Sao Paulo took place in 1997 at Paulista Avenue. The avenue openly welcomed 2,000 members of the LGBTQ+ community to freely celebrate pride and protest against years of injustice, prejudice and stigma. The parade has grown leaps and bounds over the years, and now sees almost 2 million people come together to celebrate. Last year, the parade had a theme “Our vote, our voice.” This year the parade is all set yet again to witness crowds take to the streets spreading joy and cheer.
Tel Aviv Pride, Israel
When: 10 June 2022
The pride parade at Tel Aviv is week-long celebration of members of the LGBTQ+ community and is the biggest of its kind in the Middle East. The city has become a refuge for LGBTQ+ locals and travellers over the years.
Tel Aviv has some of the best gay night clubs that have huge parties during pride week. The Pride Parade here first started in 1993 and sees performances by drag queens and several speeches during the course of the parade. This year the parade will start at a large fair at Me’ir Park (Gan Me’ir) and then move along the gorgeous streets of Tel Aviv towards the Charles Clore beach where an after-party will be held.
Capital Pride, Washington DC, USA
When: 11 June 2022
Capital Pride in Washington is a week-long event whose flagship is the Pride Parade. Thousands will march through Dupont Circle to Logan Circle to honour members of the LGBTQ+ community. Bystanders and participants will witness 200 contingents that include floats, vehicles, politicians, community members and drag queens. The Pride Opening Party takes place a night before the parade and is a ticketed event that is an absolute blast!
Zürich Pride, Switzerland
When: 18 June 2022
One of the most well-organised parades, Zurich pride has so much music and fun to offer. 20,000 LGBTQ+ community members alongside thousands of their supporters will march through downtown Zurich. This annual peaceful protest continues to advocate equal rights and the end to discrimination.
Thessaloniki Pride, Greece
When: 20-25 June 2022
Pride events in Greece trace back to the 1980s. It was then that the first attempt was made to hold a Pride event in Greece by AKOE (Greek Gay Liberation Movement) in Athens. It was a significant cultural event. Thessaloniki, Greece’s second biggest city holds a splendid pride parade every year. It first began in 2012 and has now grown to become one of the most popular human-rights related events in the city.
NYC Pride, USA
When: 26 June 2022
Considering the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement began in New York, the pride parade here has a special connection to Pride events across the world. The first march was held in 1970. In 2018, there were over 550 unique marching contingents that represented several community organization, non-profits, small businesses, political candidates and activists. With over 100 floats along the way, the event was an absolute extravaganza.
Amsterdam Pride, Netherlands
When: Between 30 July – 7 August
The pride parade in Amsterdam is extremely unusual. Instead of taking to the streets, participants set out on a canal parade in colourful, decorated boats. During the first week of August, when the parade takes place, Amsterdam becomes the capital of diversity. There are street parties that take place all week to celebrate the love of all genders and the freedom of expression.
Oslo Pride, Norway
When: 18 – 27 June
Oslo Pride is Norway’s largest festival for the LGBTQ+ community that includes concerts, art exhibits, shows, parties and lots more. It first began in 1982 and today, the Pride Park festival area has more than 150 small and large events over 10 days. The festivities conclude with the famous pride parade as it passes through the streets of Oslo. Tens of thousands of people are a part of one of Oslo’s largest public celebrations.
Have we missed any of your favourite pride parades? If so, be sure to share them in the comments below!