World Pride Madrid 2017: Everything you need to know and where to stay
It’s 40 years since Spain hosted its first LGBT pride parade, and this year one of its biggest cities is playing host to World Pride.
Madrid will welcome the world to its gay Chueca neighbourhood – so it should definitely be a date for your calendar.
World Pride Madrid will include open-air concerts, artists across different performing stages, parties, art, culture and sport.
Hell, there’s even Eurovision winner Loreen performing at one of the nightclubs – it’s no wonder two million people are expected to turn out for it.
When is World Pride Madrid 2017?
World Pride Madrid Pride 2017 – running under the banner “Whoever you love, Madrid loves you” – takes place from June 23 to July 2, with the main Madrid Pride Parade taking place on July 1.
What events have been organised for World Pride Madrid 2017?
The standout is the Madrid Pride Parade, which goes from Atocha to Colón, with the parade scheduled to take place from 6pm through to midnight.
This year marks 20 years since the event first had floats, and there are many expected at this summer’s event.
The parade will be made up of floats belonging to groups committed to LGBT pride, some of which are historic, as well as the companies that get involved in these festivities.
As well as the march, there are a series of special events, and we’ve rounded up the biggest and best below.
High Heel race
World Pride Madrid wouldn’t be the same without its traditional (and brilliant) High Heel Race, which has been running for a decade.
Participants have to wear heels of up to 15cm, while dressing up in the most flamboyant clothing they can.
If you want to get involved in the race, it takes place at 6pm on June 29.
Pride Village
The Pride Village is a new area where LGBT organisations and human rights groups can get together.
This park space is a party for the whole family, located in the area of Madrid Río (Puente del Rey) and will include:
Community Expo – Stands for national and international LGTBI groups, LGTBI associations, Pride organisers, Human Rights and LGTBI associations, and ‘gay friendly’ companies.
Cultural Stage – Cultural activities: music, dance, theatre, as well as a programme of social and human rights activities: seminars, workshops, and roundtable discussions.
Commercial Area and Market – Food Trucks, where you can enjoy a wide range of foods from around the world; a Book Fair, and several arts and crafts stalls.
Chueca and Family Pride – Sports and games for the whole family. There will also be concerts and technology workshops, architecture created using LEGO, art, face painting, and breakdance.
Diversity Race
On June 25, at 10am, Madrid will host the World Pride’s first ever official Diversity Race.
Over 20,000 runners will join forces in order to fight against LGBT-hate and the exclusion of women in high-level sports, and to celebrate coexistence in diversity through respect and tolerance.
This runs through Paseo de la Castellana, from Plaza de Colón to Plaza de Castilla, passing the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or Nuevos Ministerios.
Where can I stay for World Pride Madrid 2017?
Madrid has a number of excellent places to stay, and none better than with a misterb&b host.
Below are just some of the possible places close by to all the World Pride Madrid 2017 action.
William is offering a stunning home in the heart of Chueca, where World Pride Madrid is happening.
William, originally from America, and his partner, Ricardo, from Grenada, are offering a luxury apartment equidistant from two different subway lines Chueca and Banco de Espana – perfect for Pride.
If you want to find Jesus, he’s offering a big room for 55 euros.
It’s located in the city centre, Gran Via., two minutes walk from Sol, and close to the most important museums of the city.
The room has a double bed, one wardrobe and free wi-fi – what more could you want?
Why is staying in somebody’s home better than a hotel?
While you may be able to sneak miniature soaps from a hotel, you cannot ever be sure that the hotel you are booking will be LGBT friendly.
Misterb&b is a website which hosts LGBT friendly apartments of locals in the city. From the best places to eat and drink to the best landmarks to check out, hosts who live in the city will be able to give you another level of intel on the best way to navigate a city.
Madrid is a big place, and getting the knowledge of a resident will certainly be better than relying on Yelp reviews and staring at maps for your whole trip.
How can I become a host during Pride?
Becoming a host on mister&b is not only an easy way to earn yourself some pocket money but it’s a brilliant way to meet people in the LGBT community from across the globe during the Pride period.
Just list your home on the site for free, and then you are all set to begin receiving booking requests and inquiries.
Where can I go out during World Pride Madrid?
Madrid has some of the best gay bars in Europe, where you can carry on the party after the parade.
Papa Party – WorldPride Edition at Club But.
The gay House and Electro party from Tel Aviv in Madrid. Presented by Eliad Cohen. With DJ Suri, Tom Siher and Binomio.
Mordisko Party – WorldPride Edition
Electro party with Mika Circle, Elwood and Vruto DJ.
TANGA! Madrid World Pride Fest
A festival including a night with Loreen (June 30 – July 2)
This is an advertising feature created in conjunction with misterb&b.
