Prague Pride is behind us, yet our work for equal rights in the Czech Republic is hardly over. However, a major step was made on Saturday with the biggest and most colourful parade in the existence of Prague Pride. Up to 35,000 people joined in, filling the entire Wenceslas Square, while several thousands more were enjoying the spectacle pass the historic streets of Prague. “The visitor numbers almost doubled compared to last year” according to Olda Bureš, our parade coordinator.
The parade was opened by an actual unicorn, who was followed by several representatives, including for the first time ever the mayor of Prague, Adriana Krnácová, Roman Catholic nun Jeannine Gramick and several actresses, television hosts, politicians and other celebrities.
The parade had more cars and music that ever before. Especially entertaining were our guests from London Gay Men’s Chorus, whose members were singing a wide range of hits while dancing to impressive dance routines. Halfway the parade drag queen Chi Chi Tornado welcomed all participants from a platform up in the air.
The parade ended at Letna Park, where an outdoor music festival with 3 stages was held, including a live stage with Romani music from the Roma LGBT organisation ARA ART. This was accompanied by an information market with stands of various Czech and international organisations and businesses. People could get their pictures taken, have themselves tested on HIV or get married symbolically for just one day.
We would like to thank everybody who joined the parade this year. We were pleased to see so many foreigners celebrate with us. If you would like to help make Prague Pride 2016 even better, you can do so by making a contribution here. We would also like to thank Prague’s fire brigade, who helped everybody cool down by hosing the crowds in front of the main stage and gave us a magical show including an actual rainbow.
Our special gratitude goes out to all our partners and sponsors, without whom this week wouldn’t have been possible. And last but certainly not least particular thanks to all the volunteers who enthusiastically and selflessly helped with the organization of the festival all week long.
See you all in 2016!
Source – Prague Pride
