Spain: One million take part in ‘Europe’s largest’ Pride in Madrid

Over a millionpeople took part in Madrid Pride yesterday, in what organisers claim is Europe’s largest LGBT Pride parade.

Organisers estimate that around 1.2 million people attended Pride events in the Spanish capital, packing the streets yesterday for the parade, which is the culmination of the city’s Pride festival.

Christophe Probst, 47, from Paris said: “I came because I was told it is the biggest Gay Pride parade, and that’s true.

“It’s fantastic. The whole city gets involved. There is nothing else like it.”

Parade participant Rocío Reyes said: “What I like about this party is not only the pride but that it’s also like a ‘new carnival’: people dress up, it’s very free. Whatever you do, it is the day when you take as much liberty as you want.”

Boti G Rodrigo, of organising group FELTGTB, said: “We are organising one of the best Pride events in the world.

“It is time to speak up for all those who cannot, so they can see that they are not alone in suffering, that we are fighting for their freedoms and for our own and that LGBT human rights are inalienable.”

The festival kicked off last Wednesday with an open air performance from Eurovision diva Conchita Wurst, who last week also performed at Pride in London.

Spain became the third country in the EU to legalise same-sex marriage in 2005, behind only the Netherlands and Belgium.

(Photos: Twitter)

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