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Travel insights from Jenna Buege, senior editor of The Compass
Don't Miss These 2023 Pride Events
With summer fast approaching, Pride month is right around the corner. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or are looking to support someone who is, here are six ways to get in on the fun in 2023.
NYC Pride, June 2023
With a theme centered around “Strength in Solidarity”, NYC Pride aims to shine a light on the power and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in 2023. Something that is incredibly important, “amidst a backdrop of increased attacks against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in the form of legalization and physical violence that directly targets trans and BIPOC individuals,” according to a March 2023 press release shared on the event’s website. “This year’s theme highlights the cultural significance of the LGBTQIA+ community within the fabric of modern society, while acknowledging every individual’s uniqueness and ability to wield tremendous power when united with others. In a world where platforms of hatred and violence are upheld and even celebrated, NYC Pride seeks to illuminate the good that can and has been accomplished through uplifting and supporting one another.”
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NYC Pride will host a variety of events throughout the month of June with the most anticipated being its legacy events which include The Rally, occurring Saturday, June 17, and the annual NYC Pride March, PrideFest and Pride Island which will take place on Sunday, June 25. To see the full list of NYC Pride’s 2023 events click here.
Tel Aviv Pride, June 7 - 10
One of the hottest Pride celebrations in the world, Tel Aviv Pride got its start in 1993 when it made history as the first official Pride in Israel. Since then, the event has become one of the largest gay happenings in Continental Asia as thousands of LGBTQIA+ folks from around the globe gather each June to march the streets of the charming seafront city before assembling near the beach for a massive afterparty.
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In 2023, Tel Aviv Pride is slated to take place from Wednesday, June 7 through Saturday, June 10 with the famous Pride Parade happening on Friday, June 9. The official parade route has yet to be determined, but event organizers assure visitors the festivities are sure to be epic. Travelers can expect lots of dancing, music, live shows, beach parties, great food, fireworks and more, all alongside a beautiful backdrop of the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Check out the full lineup of events here.
Madrid Pride, June 23 - July 2
An “open door to diversity”, the city of Madrid acts as host to Madrid Pride, a multi-day event where thousands of people gather to partake in a wide variety of activities surrounding themes of politics, activism, culture and more. The main event of Villa y Corte’s annual shindig is the Pride parade when thousands of attendees march from Atocha to Colón to demand equality for the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to a vibrant parade, Madrid Pride also features a variety of concerts and performances, a Mr. Gay Pride Espana contest and an annual High-Heels Race where participants tackle a course in 6-inch heels.
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Madrid Pride will take place from June 23 through July 2. Travelers can find dates for specific events here.
ColognePride, June 24 - July 9
Self-described as ‘the joint demonstration of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, pansexuals, transexuals, transgenders and intersexuals as well as their friends and everyone who supports them,’ ColognePride is more than a parade, it’s a demand for equal human rights. Each year, thousands of participants gather to fight for equality, acceptance and social recognition, something that is still often denied to LGBTQIA+ people. “Human rights are indivisible. We cannot, do not and will not do without a single one,” reads ColognePride’s website.
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This year, ColognePride will kick off with the Cologne Pride Opening Event on Saturday, June 24 followed by the Christopher Street Day (CSD) Cologne Opening Party on Friday, July 7. Of course, there will be plenty of festivities for travelers to enjoy in the days in between too.
Montréal Pride Festival, August 3 - 13
For 11 colorful days, millions of people come together to celebrate the diversity, culture and progress of LGBTQIA+ people at Montréal Pride Festival — the largest Pride fest in all of Canada. Celebrating its 15th year in 2023, this exciting event boasts a bounty of fabulous shows and panels as well as a popular Community Day. Of course, the Pride Parade is the most anticipated happening of the week for many where attendees can admire elaborate floats, brightly colored costumes, catchy dance numbers and live performances.
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This year’s edition of the Montréal Pride Festival will take place from Thursday, August 3 through Sunday, August 13 at the Esplanade of the Olympic Park, the new official outdoor venue for the event.
EuroPride Valletta 2023, September 7 - 17
Queer travelers and LGBTQ+ allies won’t want to miss EuroPride Valletta 2023, a colorful celebration in beautiful and historic Malta. The event will kick off with an opening ceremony on Thursday, September 7, and will conclude on Sunday, September 17. Of course, there will be plenty of action in between with exciting events organized by Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC) including a Pride Village featuring art, merchandise and more; the EuroPride March with its elaborate floats, thrilling performances and wow-worthy giveaways; speak-easies, clubbing and poolside parties hosted by local venues; and a closing Pride Concert headlined by drag artists, DJs and performers.
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Since introducing strict anti-discrimination laws in 2014, Malta has been a noteworthy travel destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. So much so, in fact, that the tiny archipelago is now highly recommended by reputable LGBTQ+ organizations like ILGA-Europe
Bonus: Check out this article from The Compass to discover why Malta is a great spot for a safe and inclusive romantic retreat.
About the Author
Senior Editor for VAX VacationAccess and world explorer, Jenna loves writing about all things travel. When she’s not busy creating content, she spends her time exploring the great outdoors, cuddling with her two black cats and researching her next big (sometimes strange) adventure.
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