Amid the cultural tapestry of Prague, a significant event is poised to unfold, as the 13th annual Prague Pride festival commences on August 7th, championing the cause of the LGBTQ+ community. The festival bears the theme “traditions,” symbolizing the intricate interplay of heritage and identity.

The festivities are set to launch on Monday at 6:00 PM on Střelecký Island within the vibrant confines of the “Pride Village.” The inaugural night promises an eclectic auditory journey, with Irish artist Ailbhe Reddy and Norwegian DJ iDJa merging traditional Sami sounds with the pulsating beats of disco house. The rhythms continue with Buenos Aires artist Juana Rozas, orchestrating a fusion of hyper-pop, gabber, house, and Argentine folklore. In total, a staggering 190 events will cascade across the city throughout the festival.

An array of happenings is scheduled for the week, incorporating discussions on social norms, LGBTQ+ history, and the underpinnings of trans identity. Augmenting these dialogues are exhibitions, workshops, and film showcases that resonate with the festival’s thematic undertone.

The nucleus of the festival resides on Střelecký Island, which will metamorphose into the vibrant Pride Village. Beyond the island’s bounds, as the clock strikes 10:00 PM, the festivities will segue into the novel Pride Club space, featuring British producer Tom Aspaul’s captivating DJ set and performances by Lil Autotune, Terra, Kewu, and an ensemble of others.

For the festival’s architects, the emphasis remains steadfast on not just acknowledging the LGBTQ+ populace’s role within society but also celebrating their rich heritage. “Life for LGBTQ+ people is created in history, context, and tradition. We belong here. We are traditional,” they affirm.

A crescendo awaits on August 12th as the Rainbow Parade unfurls its kaleidoscopic splendor, cascading from Wenceslas Square to Letná Park. DJs ensconced on elevated “sky stages” will regale the parade route, while Pride Park at Letná awaits with six music stages pulsating to the rhythm of diverse performers.

Sponsored by the City of Prague, the Open Society Fund, the Czech National Film Archive, Prague 1, and Culture Ireland, Prague Pride stands as a momentous event for the Czech Republic’s LGBTQ+ community. In a testament to unity and solidarity, multinational corporations have adorned their logos with the resplendent hues of the rainbow.

Celebrity and political luminaries have graced the parade in prior years, with Cara Delevigne, former mayors Adriana Krnáčová and Zdeněk Hřib among them. This year, ambassadors include Jan and Marsell Bendigovi, epitomizing the collaborative spirit of the event.

Prague Pride serves as an embodiment of the city’s diversity, fostering a space to honor traditions and forge unity in support of the LGBTQ+ community. With a multitude of events spanning the cityscape, the festival offers an inclusive avenue for all to revel in.

Article by Prague Forum