Every June, travelers around the world bring out their brightest colors for epic celebrations of love, joy, and — you guessed it — pride. LGBTQ+ communities and allies gather in cities around the world to applaud inclusivity. Travelers are joining in on the fun by flocking to certain destinations for their world-renowned Pride celebrations. We've put together our list of the eight best cities for celebrating Pride.
New York City
Where better to start this list than with the birthplace of the pride movement? Not only is this the historic home of the Stonewall riots and of years of dedicated work and struggle for equality, it’s also now one of the pride capitals of the world. Yearly, millions of people flood NYC’s Pride March. That’s nearly four times as large as the crowds that gather for the Times Square Ball drop. If you're in the Big Apple on June 26th, make your way to Seventh Avenue and 16th Street to join in the fun. Also worth checking out is Pride Fest, a street fair featuring artists and booths and multitudes of other Pride events scattered throughout the city all month long.
Toronto
As one of the world’s most inclusive Prides, Toronto ensures all visitors feel appreciated and seen with multiple parades (including a trans and dyke march), shows, and month-long programming. Yearly, June in Toronto opens itself up for celebrity performances, a Blockorama party, performance art, and much, much more. We know pride is all about celebrating diversity, and Toronto leaves no one out with its drag shows, senior and family pride, street fairs, and even a queer skating jam.
Madrid
Worried that Pride month is too short? With Madrid’s pride you can extend the party. From the first of July until the tenth, Madrid’s annual Pride typically begins on International Pride Day (June 28th), and carries Pride Week into July. The main event is the parade, but concerts, ceremonies, speeches, workshops, and a High-Heels Race keep Pride celebrations going throughout the week.
Amsterdam
The Netherlands was the first country to formally legalize same-sex marriage, so you can bet their Pride celebrations reflect their commitment to equality. A massive boat parade with over 80 elaborately decorated boats takes to Amsterdam's canals to celebrate the occasion. Thousands of spectators come to join the numerous street parties and to watch and join in the dancing and excitement.
San Francisco
As one of the most progressive cities in the United States, it's not surprising that San Francisco has one of the most loud and raucous celebrations of love and equality. Nearly a million turn out to dance and party in front of City Hall, the parade, and for other weekend events. From the queer film festival to arts festivals to drag parties, the month of June is nonstop activity.
London
London Pride unites a collective past and looks to the future. The parade path traces the inaugural route and the organizers use their platform to call for further movement and change. And, of course, celebrations run throughout the city, beginning with the massive parade on July 1st and spanning LGBTQ film screenings, bar and club specials, and Black and Trans Pride parties. There's something incredible about seeing the Brits let loose this month, and they show the world they know how to have a good time.
São Paulo
São Paulo Pride is South America’s largest pride parade, and possibly the largest in the world (depending on the year). Celebrations take place in early June/late May, and embrace a Carnival-style street party. With dozens of moving stages, live performances, and speeches from activists supporting further inclusion and change, São Paulo does pride unlike any other city. Head dresses, sequins, and feather boas are the attire, and the entire city shuts down for one big celebration.
Los Angeles
Pride in LA is one of the most accessible in the U.S., attracting members of the LGBTQ community plus plenty of allies to West Hollywood for a massive march and a rowdy concert that is all about fun and flair. Tutus, face paint, and rainbow flags are the norm at this event that encourages participation from all groups and ages from across Southern California and beyond.
About the authors:
Lane Fisher
Lane is a Boston-based Staff Writer for The Discoverer with a penchant for travel. When she’s taking a break from exploring, crafting stories, and filling notebooks, she’s teaching her cat tricks, using up all of her watercolor paint, and turning her home into an arboretum.
Kellie Coppola
Since her first trip across the pond, Kellie has been a voracious traveler. She is passionate about sharing stories from around the globe and inspiring others to leave their comfort zones. Kellie has her MFA in Creative Writing and in her free time tries (and mostly fails) to cook.
