If you want to be a part of an annual festival that celebrates liberation, equality and civil rights, you should attend one of Europe’s Pride events. As the world’s best-known LGBTQ+ events, these colourful parades are a celebration of love, no matter who you are or where you come from.
Wondering which Pride event to head to next? Here’s our pick of the best in Europe.
Madrid Pride, July 6th
Bunting, rainbow flags and people dressed in colourful attire take over the streets of Madrid’s Chueca neighbourhood every year during the capital’s Pride Week, known locally as the Orgullo Gay de Madrid. World-renowned DJ’s, street parties and performances attract over 1 million guests who celebrate freedom, liberation, equality and diversity.
Since its humble beginnings in the 1970s, Madrid Pride is now considered to be the biggest LGBTQ party in Europe. In fact, only the city of San Francisco surpasses Madrid Pride regarding the number of visitors to its Pride festivities.
Amsterdam Pride, July 27th to August 4th
Thanks to the hundreds of canals that traverse its city-centre streets, Amsterdam’s Pride festival is perfect for those who want to put a unique spin on their celebrations. Like most other Pride events, you’ll find street performers and plenty of parties at Amsterdam Pride. But you’ll also be able to watch themed boats take over the waterways.
Unlike many Pride events, Amsterdam Pride was established in 1996 to celebrate freedom and diversity rather than to demonstrate for equal rights. Embark on a ‘Gay Canal Cruise’ to enjoy a Pride festival with a difference.
London Pride, June 8th to July 6th
Pride events take place across the UK every June or July, but London’s festivities are the most popular. Attracting an estimated 1 million guests annually, London Pride is one of Europe’s largest events for the LGBTQ community. In recent years, even more festivals have started popping up. For example, there’s been an annual Pride parade for London’s black community since 2017.
Berlin Pride, 27th July
Berlin Pride isn’t just iconic because of its size and undeniably amazing street parades. Berlin Pride, locally known as CSD Berlin, has a fascinating history. The first event took place in 1979 in memory of the police assaults that occurred in New York against the LGBTQ community. In fact, CSD is an acronym for Christopher Street Day (Christopher Street is where the police attacks on the gay community happened in NYC). Berlin Pride is a shining example of a world coming together.
Stockholm Pride, 29th July to August 3rd
Even though it was only established in 1998, Stockholm Pride has grown to become one of the best LGBTQ events in the world. In addition to the thousands-strong parade that takes over the streets and ends in the official Pride Park, seminars, debates, workshops and performances take place at exhibitions all over the city.
Each year, a unique dog-tag is designed by an acclaimed artist as an accessory for the event. If you want to keep a memento of your celebrations, watch unique acts, compete to be the next Mr Gay Sweden, or take part in a debate to keep the conversation going, we highly recommend attending Stockholm Pride.
A lot of these amazing destinations can be found on our Coach Travel Network that operatres in Europe. Take a look at our Adventure Planner to put together your itinerary!
