For more than half a century, Pride has marked what is known as one of the most momentous events in the global fight for equality for LGBTQIA+ people.
In June 1969, a group of LGBTQIA+ protestors in New York City rioted after a police raid of the infamous Stonewall Inn gay bar, in Greenwich Village. The demonstration bolstered the modern gay rights movement and led to a series of demonstrations the next year in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Now, Pride is celebrated worldwide, mostly in June and often throughout July and August. But the fun isn’t limited to summertime in the Northern Hemisphere. Major cities around the globe celebrate pride at other times of the year to take advantage of pleasant, sunny temps or a wintery wonderland to draw the biggest crowds.
We’ve highlighted some of the most colorful, loud and meaningful Pride events worldwide to add to your 2024 travel plans.
Most well-known Pride celebrations: Madrid Orgullo, La marche des fiertés (Paris Pride), CSD Berlin
Other amazing places for your list: Visit the snow-covered Alps in Austria’s breathtaking Ötztal region for Winter Pride Sölden 2024. From March 15-22, celebrate Pride on and off the slopes with sports, entertainment, gatherings, food and more.
If celebrating in warmer, Italian climes seems more ideal, visit Toscana Pride in Florence, on July 8. Following the annual parade, head to Toscana Pride Party on Villa Strozzi to kick off the night.
The Greek city of Thessaloniki has the honor of hosting EuroPride 2024 from June 21-29. Take part in educational walking tours, movie screenings, outdoor concerts, an epic parade and more.
In New Zealand and Australia, big outdoor Pride celebrations are held in February. Be loud and proud for the annual Big Gay Out (Auckland Pride) celebrations at Coyle Park, Tāmaki Makaurau.
“It’s fair to say the biggest pride event in Oceania happens in Sydney with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, a glittering colorful explosion of self-expression, celebration and love” writes Flight Centre Travel Blog. Catch the waves at the annual Bondi Beach Party and view the more than 200 floats of the 46th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.
Most well-known Pride Celebrations: Taipei Gay Pride (Taiwan), The Tokyo Rainbow Pride, Seoul Queer Culture Festival
Other amazing places for your list: Manila Metro Pride is the largest Pride Celebration in Southeast Asia. Expect celebrations to bring together “thousands for live performances, celeb-spotting, rousing speeches, and a rainbow-colored march,” writes Travel and Leisure.
Typically held throughout June, Bangkok Pride is known to be second only to Metro Manila Pride as the largest Pride celebration in Southeast Asia. Cheer on marchers in the annual Bangkok Naruemit Pride Parade. Enjoy nightlife in the Silom district.
The Nepal Pride Parade is held annually on the second Saturday of June, in Kathmandu. “Gender equality and anti-discrimination are the law in Nepal, considered on paper at least to be among the most progressive nations in Asia,” writes Travel in Leisure.
Most well-known Pride celebrations: NYC Pride, San Francisco Pride, Pride Toronto
Other amazing places for your list: Vancouver Gay Pride showcases the largest Pride parade in Western Canada and one of the largest in North America. Held in August, the weather is perfect for the annual Sunset Beach Festival, Picnic in the Park, and Davie Street Pride Party.
Lace up your sneakers to start PrideFest in Denver, Colorado with the Pride 5k held on June 22, followed by two more days of PrideFest. The annual Coors Light PrideFest Parade, live performances, vendors, food and drinks bring plenty of fun sights and sounds to the city.
Chocked full of events, from a cocktail contest to diverse queer support and education groups, Capital Pride in Washington D.C. doesn’t disappoint. Kick off the celebrations with the Taste of Pride Opening Party. Capital Pride is held from May 23 to June 8.
Wherever you roam for Pride in 2024, consider protecting your travel investment and health with travel insurance. Allianz Global Assistance offers reimbursement of certain nonrefundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or delayed. You should also know that your Canadian government health insurance plan may not fully cover you once you leave your province. Emergency medical coverage by Allianz Global Assistance offers emergency medical coverage to help you fill coverage gaps.
As a world leader in travel protection, we help Canadians and visitors to Canada answer the call of adventure with confidence every year. Let us be there for you too.
Travel insurance is underwritten by CUMIS General Insurance Company, a member of The Co-operators Group of Companies, administered by Allianz Global Assistance, which is a registered business name of AZGA Service Canada Inc.
