dealchecker shares guide to pride, from the wonderfully wacky, to the world’s biggest and best.
Pride season is fast approaching, which means month-long events filled with rainbow-filled parades, parties, and festivals. With June officially kicking off pride month for many nations across the world, Rosie Panter, travel expert at dealchecker shares her ultimate guide to pride celebrations around the world.
Rosie says: “Pride is synonymous with street festivals that flood cities with bright colours, parades, and plenty of parties celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
“And while many people head to their local pride celebrations – June is chock-a-block with festivities – we believe Pride should be enjoyed year-round and not confined to just one month. Across the globe there are a range of events to enjoy no matter the time of year, whether you want to head to the largest, the sunniest or the snowiest!”
Read on for Rosie’s guide to the best pride festivals, starting NOW…
The world’s largest pride – Sao Paulo Pride, Brazil – June
Listed by Guinness World Records as the biggest pride parade in the world, Sao Paulo sees around 2,500,000 participants take to the streets annually. With the party beginning three weeks prior to the five-day festival, revellers at the most popular pride celebration globally can expect a range of events, debates, plays, concerts, dance performances, cultural fairs and more. And, it will be hot in June, which is a win-win in our opinion.
Rosies Top Tip: Only take the essentials with you and avoid having any flashy or high-value items on display – you want to spend your time enjoying the festivities, not worrying about being targeted by pickpockets.
The best pride by the beach – St. Pete Pride, FL, USA – June
With 361 days of sunshine in a year, this Gulf Coast Floridian favourite also happens to be home to the state’s largest pride celebration, with 300,000 people taking to the streets. Spanning an entire month, visitors to this artsy city can expect beach parties, trans marches, a Stonewall reception and even a youth/family pride.
With 35-miles of award-winning white sugar sand beaches to enjoy, a beachside pink palace hotel, and special performances from Sasha Colby, Alyssa Edwards, and Saucy Santana, this is a celebration not to be missed.
Rosies Top Tip: Watch out for what the locals call ‘green flash’ at sunset. For a few moments each day before the sun fully disappears below the horizon, the rim of the sun will go bright green. Get down to Pass-A-Grille or St. Pete Beach to enjoy this unique phenomenon.
Europe’s best and biggest pride – Madrid, Spain – July
Those wanting to stay closer to home can enjoy Europe’s largest pride in Madrid which rivals celebrations in Sao Paulo and pulls in a whopping 2,000,000+ visitors. Filling one of the city’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant areas – Plaza de Chueca – with cheer, this weeklong celebration allows attendees to fully immerse themselves in how the locals do pride, Sangria and all.
Rosies Top Tip: Book as far in advance as possible as city centre hotels, Airbnb’s, and hostels will be booked up long before the event. We’d also recommend heading to Madrid the week prior to pride, to ensure you’re able to spend time enjoying the city ahead of the festivities.
Home [pride] away from home – Benidorm Pride – September
A firm favourite for Brits that like to ‘fly and flop’, Benidorm also boasts a popular queer celebration, every September. Now in its 14th year, over 40 gay-friendly venues open their doors to 20,000 visitors. The perfect conclusion to Europe’s pride circuit and one that ensures you’re able to make the most of the later summer sunshine.
Rosies Top Tip: Avoid the ‘pea men’ who set up elaborate cons with cups and peas. Whilst it may seem like a fun game, you will never beat them. Best to save your hard earned cash for enjoying the celebrations.
Best pride in UK wintertime – Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras – February
Escape the cold, grey and windy British winter for warmer climes, and head down under for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
Taking place during the Australian summer, visitors can expect blue skies, sunshine and sandy beaches with temperatures upwards of 30 degrees. Dubbed a non-stop party (we’d expect no less), this ‘Mardi Gras’ is an explosion of colour and fun with evenings stretching into early mornings. Whether you’re in the city centre or on Bondi beach, a host of ‘balls’ and beach parties await …
Rosies Top Tip: Don’t forget suncream. It may seem obvious, but the sun in Australia is harsher than in other areas of the world. It’s better to be safe than red, burnt, and sorry.
The best pride in the snow – European Snow Pride week in Tignes & Val D’Isere, France – March
Fancy doing pride a little differently? Head to the French Alps for Europe’s biggest gay ski week, where you can expect plenty of apres-ski. Whether you choose to party the night away at ‘La Folie Douce’, watch a spot of cabaret, or partake in a ‘sailors vs pirates night’, European Snow Pride promises a week of fun in the mountains.
Rosies Top Tip: Adventurous activities like skiing and snowboarding aren’t always covered by standard travel insurance so do your research before you put your skis on. Snow is slippery, mountains are steep, and Après will mean your guard is down – so be sensible and get appropriate cover.
To book your own pride escape, visit www.dealchecker.co.uk
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