Belgian Pride Parade draws more than 100 000 people to Brussels
Today, the Belgian Pride Festival reached its grand finale during the annual Pride Parade. Over 100 000 people and 70 contingents came down to the capital to party, but also to pound the table on the eve of the local elections.
With Your Local Power as the central theme the three LGBTI+ umbrella organizations in Belgium (çavaria, Arc-en-Ciel Wallonie and RainbowHouse Brussels) demand that local authorities should commit to an explicit, integrated LGBTI+ policy.
The Belgian Pride Festival is more than just the well-known Pride Parade. On Friday 4 May the official kick-off for the festival was given in Brussels Town Hall. Offering a varied programme including debates, movies, music performances, the Ihsane Jarfi tribute day and finally the Pride Parade, the organisations were able to lure thousands of LGBTI+ personalities and friends to the city. On the day of the Pride Parade there were over 100 000 people.
All the rainbow colours on parade wagons, Pride Village, Rainbow Village and Pride Stage
Mayor Philippe Close welcomed everyone to the city, after which the philosophy of the Your Local Power theme was briefly explained during the Pride Parade Kick-Off.
After a glamourous performance by the French drag queen Leona Winter and a dance recital by Trinxx (on high heels) the parade hit the road. This year no less than 70 contingents from all over Belgium joined the exuberant and colourful procession through the centre of Brussels. The festively decorated parade wagons, provided with music and flying rainbow flags.
“Setting up the Belgian Pride takes blood, sweat, and tears every year. Thanks to numerous volunteers this year’s parade was one of the most successful we’ve ever had. We already invite everyone to join the 24th edition next year, which will take place on the weekend of 17 May”, says Belgian Pride coordinator Elio De Bolle.
