Pride worldwide: Unmissable destinations for global pride celebrations
Pride celebrations have transformed from powerful protests into the world's most vibrant street parties. What began at New York's Stonewall Inn in 1969 has blossomed into global festivals that showcase the best of LGBTQ+ culture, creativity and community.
Ready for the ultimate Pride adventure? Pack your most fabulous outfits and join us as we explore continents to discover where you can experience Pride in all its glory throughout the year, and not just in June.
Asia: Eastern Pride with extra sparkle
Thailand: Where tradition meets progress (June)
Bangkok Pride has roared back to life, becoming Asia's hottest celebration. What makes it stand out? Thailand recently became Southeast Asia's first country to recognise same-sex marriage – giving everyone an extra reason to celebrate.
During Pride week, Silom (Bangkok's buzzing gay district) transforms into party central with events showcasing that famous Thai hospitality. If you fancy combining Pride with paradise, head to Phuket where celebrations take on a laid-back tropical vibe.
Where to stay: AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and gets into the Pride spirit with fashion shows and art by Thai LGBTI creators. Prefer to be where the action is? AVANI Sukhumvit Bangkok puts you near BTS SkyTrain station, giving you straight access to the central Siam and Silom's rainbow-filled streets.
Taiwan: Asia's Pride pioneer (October)
Taipei Pride draws over 200,000 participants, making it Asia's largest Pride celebration. As the first Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, Taiwan knows how to throw a proper party.
Beyond the parade, you'll find a week-long festival packed with film screenings, art exhibitions, and cultural events that showcase Taiwan's forward-thinking attitude.
Australia & New Zealand: Pride Down Under
Sydney Mardi Gras: Harbour city spectacular (February-March)
Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has evolved from a protest march in 1978 to one of the world's most dazzling (and largest) LGBT celebrations. Although the event falls outside Pride Month in June, its schedule from the second Thursday in February until the first Saturday in March perfectly aligns with the Australian summer season. The nighttime parade creates pure magic – imagine 12,000+ participants on 200+ illuminated floats processing down Oxford Street with Sydney's iconic harbour as the backdrop.
The three-week festival features over 100 events – from massive dance parties that keep you grooving until sunrise to thought-provoking art installations at the Mardi Gras Fair Day in Victoria Park. If this is your first time in Australia, we recommend getting on a quick flight to Melbourne and spend a few days there for another pride event – Midsumma Pride March. Led by Boon Wurrung Elders and a Rainbow Aboriginal Float, the event usually takes place on the streets of the colourful Fitzroy in St Kilda.
Where to Stay: Avani Melbourne Central Residences puts you right in the middle of the CBD surrounded by food and minutes away from the popular Queen Victoria Market. From here, you can hop on Tram 16, only a block away from the hotel, to go straight to St Kilda passing through National Gallery of Victoria and Shrine of Remembrance on the way.
Auckland Pride: Community vibes (March)
Auckland Pride offers something special – a celebration that genuinely integrates Māori culture into its festivities. The festival spans several weeks with over 80 community-driven events, including Takatāpui hui (gatherings for Māori LGBTQ+ people) and performances blending contemporary queer expression with traditional elements.
The Tāmaki Makaurau Rainbow Parade along Ponsonby Road keeps corporate floats away to maintain its grassroots spirit, creating a celebration that feels authentic and community-focused.
Where to stay: Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences provides a stylish urban retreat right in the city centre, putting you just steps away from all the Pride action.
South America: Latin heat
Bogotá: Latin America's pioneer (Late June/Early July)
Bogotá's 'Marcha de la Candidemia LGBTI' traces back to 1982 when activist León Zuleta organised Colombia's first gay rights demonstration during a seriously conservative era. Today, it celebrates Colombia's impressive progress, including the 2016 legalisation of same-sex marriage.
What makes Bogotá Pride special is its powerful mix of celebration and remembrance. The parade kicks off at Parque Nacional with a ceremony honouring LGBTQ+ victims of Colombia's armed conflict before passing through the historic Chapinero district – Colombia's first officially recognised gay neighbourhood, where rainbow flags flutter year-round from colonial balconies.
Where to stay: Avani Royal Zona T Bogotá Hotel offers easy access to Pride events while providing a contemporary retreat when you need to recharge.
São Paulo & Rio: Non-stop fiesta (June & November)
São Paulo hosts the world's largest Pride parade (yes, even bigger than Sydney), while Rio's celebration infuses Pride with carnival energy. What sets Brazil's Pride apart is how it transforms already party-loving cities into 24/7 celebrations – think endless dancing, incredible costumes, and very little sleep.
Europe: Pride's historic playground
Madrid: From resistance to Europe's biggest bash (July)
Madrid Pride (MADO) has come a long way from its first demonstration in 1977, when participants fled police batons. Today, that same rebellious spirit fuels Chueca's neighbourhood-wide celebration that draws over two million visitors each summer.
Madrid Pride's 'anything goes' attitude culminates in one of Europe's most flamboyant parades, where 'carrozas' (floats) wind through grand boulevards, often joined by Spanish celebrities and politicians showing their support.
Where to stay: Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid Hotel offers contemporary digs in the heart of the Spanish capital, providing the perfect base to experience Madrid Pride while having easy access to the city's cultural highlights.
Amsterdam: Pride afloat (August)
Amsterdam Pride offers something truly unique – the world's only floating parade. The city's famous canals become the stage for an unforgettable spectacle with over 80 elaborately decorated boats winding through historic waterways lined with iconic 17th-century buildings.
The entire UNESCO World Heritage canal ring transforms into an open-air celebration, with the Homomonument – the world's first memorial to LGBTQ+ people persecuted during World War II – becoming a focal point where celebration and remembrance beautifully mix.
Where to stay: AVANI Museum Quarter Amsterdam provides modern accommodation in a prime location, putting you within walking distance of Amsterdam's Canal Parade route and all the vibrant Pride festivities.
From São Paulo's millions-strong celebration to Auckland's intimate community feel, Pride travel destinations showcase the best of global LGBTQ+ culture in wildly different ways. Each celebration offers a unique window into how different cultures express identity, community and joy.
So, which Pride celebration will you experience first? Wherever you choose, you're guaranteed memories (and Instagram posts) that will last a lifetime.
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