Madrileños are getting ready to celebrate orgullo gay! The city is heating up, and flags, bunting, and colourful clothes will soon be filling the streets. It’s time for Madrid Pride, the annual event enjoyed by locals and visitors from around the globe. People of all sexualities, ages, genders, races, and faiths gather together in this exuberant celebration that shows what an open and diverse site of multiculturalism the capital of Spain has become.
What to expect
Enjoy free open-air concerts, various performances on stages, parties, and art exhibitions, in and around the fantastic gay neighbourhood. It’s a fabulous and colourful festival to celebrate diversity, with the awesome parade as its extravagant culmination on the 6th of July. Enjoy the atmosphere as you wander the streets, stopping for refreshing drinks at some of the many local bars and cafés.
Why come to Madrid
This is one of the liveliest celebrations in Europe and the LGBT community is at the heart of the activities, with the support from the community of Madrid. The city is working hard to become gay-friendly, and this event alone is a popular attraction for LGBT tourism. It’s a city where tradition and modernity mix well, and you’ll find it a friendly, welcoming place.
What is gay pride
It’s the stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The idea is to promote and celebrate equal rights and increase visibility, build community, and celebrate diversity. Spain’s vibrant capital city has a programme full of cultural and protest activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. The Stonewall Riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969, were the spontaneous demonstrations which marked the start of the LGBT liberation movement. June has become a focus for pride events all over the world as a result.
Gay pride activities
Use this handy guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the key events!
Friday, 28 June Pride In The Neighbourhood: popular neighbourhoods – Malasaña, Barrio de Las Letras, Lavapiés and Chueca – will be filled with activities.
Wednesday, 3 July Official Opening Ceremony: Although things get started sooner, this is the official beginning of the Pride Celebrations. Music and other performances.
Thursday, 4 July High-heel Race: Hilarious event open to everyone. Don’t forget your heels!
Friday, 5 July 12th Edition of Mr Gay Pride Spain
Saturday, 6 July Pride Parade: the main event of Pride, this goes through the city’s main streets, starting at 5.30pm in Atocha, before going along Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos to Plaza Colón.
Sunday, 7 July Closing Ceremony: a final big gathering to celebrate the end of this year’s festivities.
Whete to stay
You’ll probably want to be within walking distance of all the activity as the city fills up and the streets get busy! There are lots of central options. Catalonia Gran Vía Madrid, part of the stylish and popular Catalonia hotels chain, is a perfect place to be based to make sure you’re at the heart of it all. Enjoy the famous LGBT Pride Festival, then head back to your room to relax in the comfort of this 4-star hotel. Offering a bar, swimming pool, and fitness centre, this hotel is conveniently located to enjoy all the activities and to check out the amazing culture the city has to offer.
