Tens of thousands of participants, including politicians, ambassadors, and celebrities, gathered in Prague yesterday for the Prague Pride parade, marking the climax of the 13th annual LGBT+ festival. The event aimed to express tolerance, solidarity, and support for sexual minorities while advocating for equal rights for all.

The attendance was comparable to the previous year, with up to 60,000 individuals joining the parade, according to Prague police spokesman Jan Danek. The event proceeded without incidents.

The parade commenced from Wenceslas Square, winding its way to Letna plain, where a cultural program and performances were scheduled, including a concert by American singer-songwriter LP, who filmed a new music video during her performance.

The festival’s theme, “More Traditional Than You Think,” highlighted the significance of traditions within society and the LGBT+ community. Throughout the week-long event, discussions, lectures, and activities were organized, drawing significant public interest.

Prague Pride aimed to counter stereotypes and emphasize the historical and cultural presence of the LGBT+ community. To illustrate this, six individuals in traditional folklore costumes led the parade, distributing bread and salt to signify a bridge between tradition and modernity.

The event also featured politicians who support marriage equality for same-sex couples, such as Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Bartos, Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky (both from the Pirates party), and Interior Minister Vit Rakusan (STAN), who drafted a bill on “marriage for all.” The bill is awaiting its second reading in the Czech parliament, expected to occur in November.

While the parade enjoyed widespread support, a small group of opponents gathered near the parade route, holding banners with slogans against the event. Police presence ensured a peaceful atmosphere, and the parade participants responded to the demonstrators with chants of unity and support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Prague Pride, which first took place in 2011, has grown over the years to become a significant event promoting inclusion, diversity, and equal rights. Despite challenges, including the cancellation of the event in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival remains a vital platform for fostering understanding and acceptance within Czech society.

Article by Prague Forum