Barcelona, Spain has been the main hotspot of all the LGTBI associations and has hosted many demonstrations in favor of LGTBI rights, since the 70s. But was not until 2008 that Barcelona started a PRIDE celebration. 10 years ago, a group of LGTBI businesses were very determined to celebrate a proper PRIDE and... They managed to achieve it!
Check out the interview we did to the Barcelona Pride organizers. Learn more today about Barcelona's great LGBT historic moments and their upcoming plans for Barcelona Pride 2018!
GT: What are some highlights from Barcelona Pride's past?
BP: One of the most important moments in the history of PRIDE Barcelona was in 2009, when the LGTBI event moved to Maria Cristina Ave. This impressive location became kind of a talisman and the number of participants reached 25’000 people, which was a very remarkable landmark, considering it was only its second edition. Another remarkable moment was during last year’s demonstration. 50’000k people joined the parade! It was a massive record and doubled the number of the previous edition. It was very emotive when the demonstration arrived to the Village. Last year, more than 250’000 people participate in PRIDE Barcelona’s activities and it set a new record.
GT: What are some highlights that this year's festival goers can expect?
BP: This year we will have Loreen and Conchita as guest artists among many others. These two artists are past Eurovision winners who have become very popular among the European LGTBI Community. We will also have a very expected Barcelona Drag Exhibition and much-requested high-heeled race. Many new activities and events are to be announced in the next weeks so keep an eye on our website!
GT: How does Barcelona Pride contribute to the LGBT event scene in Barcelona, and how is it set apart from other events there?
BP: First, we should highlight the commitment with the LGTBI community Barcelona has had during the 20th century. The city hosted the first LGTBI demonstration in Spain back in 1977 and, since then, it has lead the fight for rights and freedom for the community.
The past editions have inherited Barcelona’s LGTBI legacy and have managed to highlight social issues affecting the LGTBI edition after edition, raising awareness over many problems the LGTBI community faces in their daily life.
This is the way Barcelona PRIDE contributes to the LGTBI scene in Barcelona, by offering a unique event which is social and festive at the same time. The most remarkable achievement from Barcelona Pride’s past became an event of both protest and festive nature.
GT: When they aren't attending Pride, what is the best way for festival goers to experience gay Barcelona?
BP: Barcelona is a great city that has everything for everyone. It is one of the most popular destinations thanks to the many activities and its wonderful weather.
Also known as the capital of Modernism, Barcelona has a brilliant architecture due to the many famous architectures that lived in the city such as Antoni Gaudi. Take a walk in the city and visit la Sagrada Família, la Casa Batlló, la Pedrera, la torre Agbar ,el Parc Güell, and many others.
Moreover, Barcelona has become a very cosmopolitan city due to the large range of artistic and cultural exhibitions that its offers. Among them two museums stand out: the Picasso Museum and the Contemporanean Art Museum (MACBA).
Don’t forget to get lost in the old city. The Gothic area or the Born are some of the neighbourhoods with plenty of backstreets and artisanal boutiques.
Barcelona has 4 km of beaches, their easy access from the city centre makes them the perfect place for the city and beach lovers. Barcelona even has an LGTBI beach: the Marbella! But let’s not forget about the wonderful gastronomy, their local cuisine is very diverse although mostly Catalan cuisine is based on Mediterranean diet. There are also food markets such as la Boqueria. But if you are more of a night person, don’t worry, Barcelona never sleeps.
GT: Anything else you'd like to add?
BP: PRIDE is also a social event. The benefit we earn we'll donate it to LGTBI associations working to assist and support the LGTBI community in many different areas to help them improving their situation and to benefit those who have more difficulties and are more vulnerable: LGTBI families, trans*, people living with HIV, immigrants and refugees...
For example, some of our donations and earnings will go to Gais Positius, an association of HIV-positive people who have been working to respond to HIV / AIDS for the LGBT community since 1994.
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