Pride parades in Europe: Top 7

June is LGBT Pride Month – a month dedicated to celebrating all the LGBTQ+ community around the world. Here are our Top 7 Pride Parades where you can be loud & proud in Europe!

 

What does Pride Parade actually mean?

Pride Parades, Gay Pride, also called LGBT Pride is an annual celebration, usually in June, of queer identities in general.

Brenda Howard, was responsible for the name “Pride”, she was a bisexual New York activist, besides, “Mother of Pride” was her nickname since she organized the first Pride parade to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

 

Why is Gay Pride so important?

Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQIA+ rights have come, and how in some places there’s still work to do.

In fact, activities in New York and San Francisco have started their separate parades to protest police and corporate involvement at the more established parades, to respond to the lack of diversity in the biggest pride events, organizers have started events to create self-space for the more marginalized in the LGBTQ community.

 

How Pride Parade started?

Global Pride Day is 27 June and during this month there are usually colorful parades, concerts, and marches.

Pride Parades started in the early hours of June 28, 1969, after the members of the LGBTQ+ community stood up to police during a routine raid of this exact same bar on Christopher Street.

To commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, they marched from Civic Center Plaza to Washington Square shouting slogans like “Gay Power“, “Gay is okay“, and “Gay gay, all the way!“.

 

How long has Pride Parades been going on?

Pride parade was officially inaugurated in June 1970, it has been going on for more than 50 years. It started in NYC, Pride had taken place around the world in cities like Montreal, London, Mexico City, and Sydney. During the 1990s the media visibility got bigger for LGBTQ+ people in public life, leading to more.

While the Stonewall anniversary had long provided the timing for annual Pride events, President Bill Clinton proclaimed in 1999 that every June would be Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in the U.S. (Interesting fact: President Barack Obama broadened the definition in 2008 when he proclaimed the month of June as Pride Month).

 

And finally… Here is our Top 7 Pride Parades in Europe

When summertime arrives in Europe, it marks the start of the continent’s memorable LGBTQ Pride festivals celebrating the right to love whomever you want.

Above all, pride is a celebration of diversity, coming together and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Therefore, if you are looking to celebrate Pride, you better check out what the most Famous Europe cities have to offer! Whether you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or you want to show your allyship, here are our top picks for the best Pride celebrations in Europe:

Madrid, Spain

Madrid knows how to throw a fiesta, so expect nothing less for Pride Parades. Consequently, expect to be basking in the tropical sun while enjoying parties in each square in the city. Other national and international LGBT groups support the “Orgullo Gay“.

Meanwhile, dozens of companies like Microsoft, Google, and Schweppes, several political parties, and trade unions have been supporting this parade. Click this link if you would like to know more.

Where to stay in Madrid?

If you have decided to enjoy Madrid’s great vibe for some time longer, we have for you the best option where to stay! It is Cats Hostel Madrid Sol. The hostel is located within walking distance of must-see sights and must-visit bars and clubs. It offers a wide variety of dorm-type rooms, a common area to chill out with others, a basement disco, and more for the best stay.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Celebrate Pride, Amsterdam-style! Amsterdam Pride is a little different than the other LGBT events we already listed. That’s because Amsterdam features a Canal Pride on the hundreds of canals that run through the city center. Clearly, the festival attracts several hundred thousand visitors each year and is thus one of the largest publicly annual events in the Netherlands.

Bonus tip! If you are in Amsterdam or would like to go there, you might want to check out Rotterdam, as this is just 40 minutes between the two. We have put together a list of top parties with a special wink to the LGBTQ+ Community! Read more here!

Where to stay in Amsterdam?

The best hostel in Amsterdam that we highly recommend is the Flying Pig Uptown. This is a real party hostel, with a bar happy hours, cheap beer, drinking games, and more. Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, you won’t miss out on the Amsterdam must-see sights and nightlife.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is one of Europe’s most LGBTQIA+ friendly. The Berlin Pride Celebration, or CSD Berlin, stands for Christopher Street Day and has existed since 1979. However, Berlin Pride Parade is one of the largest queer events in Germany and one of the biggest in Europe.

Where to stay in Berlin?

Berlin is worth visiting for more than just a quick weekend getaway! Our favorite hostel for staying here is Sunflower Hostel Berlin. The hostel offers a comfortable stay with the option to stay in one of their dorms, double or single rooms. The Sunflower Hostel’s welcoming staff will make sure you know the best tips for fully enjoying Berlin. Join free walking tours or rent a bike to see as much as possible!

Lisbon, Portugal

Locally known as Arraial Lisboa Pride or The Lisbon Gay Pride Parade, where you can explore the Pride Village, with its arts and crafts exhibitions and mouth-watering Portuguese food. In addition, tip cold drinks in the Village’s lounge space, and at night, dance until the early hours on the Terreiro do Paço square beside the river.

Where to stay in Lisbon?

Our top recommendation in Lisbon is Sunset Destination Hostel, located within walking distance from the popular Barrio Alto. The hostel is known for its rooftop bar with a pool, and fun activities like free walking tours, pub crawls, grill parties, and even more. You won’t regret staying here, that we guarantee!

Paris, France

Is there a better place to celebrate love in all its forms than Paris? The largest parade in France is held in the capital Paris. Known as Marche des Fiertés LGBT, Paris Pride is celebrated annually, starting at Montparnasse, and ending at Place de la République. Aside, there’s a lot more to see and do for queer people in Paris.

Where to stay in Paris?

Located in a vibrant neighborhood, right in front of Canal Saint Martin, we recommend staying at modern St. Christopher’s Inn. Rooms range from dorm type rooms to private ones, they offer something for every budget. The hostel guests can benefit from nice discounts at their in-house restaurant and bar. St. Christopher’s are the perfect guests in Paris!

London, England

The Pride in London is the biggest and most diverse in the U.K. London LGBT+ Community Pride is the name of the gay community responsible for the queer events in London, in other words, is one of London’s biggest public events where the rowdy parade winds through some of the most iconic sites in the city. Click here to check the dates and routes.

Where to stay in London?

St. Christopher’s Village in London is a top-rated hostel for young travelers. Situated on Borough High Street, this newly refurbished building offers fantastic amenities and a huge choice of different types of rooms for price and location. It is a perfect place to enjoy your stay in London, and meet like-minded people! You couldn’t make a better choice for your stay in London! 

Prague, Czech Republic

Join the most LGBT-friendly event in Central and Eastern Europe. The city blesses you with a week-long program with exhibitions, debates, concerts, great parties, and above all, the Prague Parade is one of the most interesting and inspiring Pride festivals in Europe. Interested? Check their website for more information.

Where to stay in Prague?

Looking for affordable luxury? We got you covered! Stay at the Czech Inn Hostel and experience a pleasant modern stay while not overpaying. Located in a vibrant and trendy neighborhood with a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. If you feel too lazy to go out, visit the hostel’s in-house basement bar, where you will always find great company.

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Safe travels and be sure to travel smart! Like this article? Check out our Instagram and TikTok page to see more of these!