Picture people dancing in the heat, sidewalks warming under the sun, and the Vltava River inviting you for a refreshing boat ride. Envision yourself cooling off in trendy bars with cold drinks, where chance encounters sparkle with the promise of fleeting moments or everlasting love. And there’s more! From 5 – 11 August, Prague will host Prague Pride’s Rainbow Week, offering a colourful extravaganza of events.
In Eastern Europe, Prague shines as a haven of openness and relaxation amidst increasing strangeness. The city warmly embraces their queer community, making it easy to walk through the streets in your Pride Parade attire right from your hotel. This year’s Prague Pride holds particular significance.
The Czech Republic needs you to show up in droves at Prague Pride as a big, bold protest against a seriously messed-up equal marriage law. After seven long years of waiting, what did MPs give same-sex couples? A “partnership” replacing “registered partnership” that’s about as fulfilling as a deflated balloon. You can’t even legally acknowledge your partner’s kid unless they’re biologically related to your partner. Seriously? It’s 2024, people!
Let’s make a statement and show those conservative MPs that clinging onto outdated views in a country where Sunday mornings are more about brunch than church is just plain embarrassing. Pack your bags, grab your glitter, and head to Prague. It’s time to shake things up! Last year, 60,000 people were in the parade, and the organisers want to make it 80,000 this year.
What’s in store for you at Prague Pride?
Mark your calendar for a fantastic weekend in Prague, especially if you arrive on August 9th and 11th, the peak of Pride week. Start your adventure with a lively Friday night bash, or conserve your energy and savour a delightful dinner by the river or among the charming alleys of the old town.
Please remember the following schedule for Saturday: Start the day with a lavish brunch at one of Prague’s trendiest spots. Then, at noon, head to Wenceslas Square for the start of the Pride Parade. The parade will have eco-friendly floats and will pass by iconic landmarks such as the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square and Paris Street, where you can even do some designer shopping while the parade goes by.
After crossing the historic Vltava River bridge and recovering from the steep staircase, head to Letná for the Pride Park celebration. Get ready for multiple music stages, drag shows, a grassy picnic area, chill-out zones, and a VIP area for those who prefer a more upscale experience.
Make sure to keep the party going from Saturday into Sunday. Attend an official afterparty for pop and disco fans at the Mecca club, or head to the Magion afterparty for techno lovers. Last year’s Magion afterparty at the historical Gabriel Loci was truly epic.
You’ll likely be sleeping off last night’s antics on Sunday, so you won’t have much time before you leave. To make up for last night’s activities, you can attend the queer worship service that concludes Prague Pride every year.
When the weekend is not enough
If you arrive in Prague early, prepare for intense partying at the Pride Village on Střelecký Island. This popular spot offers daily entertainment, opportunities to bond with the community, and sports activities to help you shake off your weekday worries. Imagine yourself dancing tango, striking a pose like a pro, or grooving to disco beats. When you need a break, enjoy a cold Czech beer or try the limited edition Pride gin glitter shots in the shade of the trees.
But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! Head underground to Střelecký Island to visit Pride Club for some after-hours entertainment that will keep you dancing until the break of dawn. Every night from Monday to Friday, Prague’s top queer DJs will be spinning tunes.
Visit the Pride Café on Betlémské Square for a fun, English-friendly nightly experience. Enjoy musical performances, film screenings, lively discussions, and poetry readings in the magical garden of a historic house. It’s the perfect place to feel right at home.
With almost two hundred events on the agenda, you will find something that interests you at Pride in Prague. Additionally, there are many other attractions beyond the Pride festivities. You can visit Prague Castle without having to deal with the pesky security frames at the gates, explore world-class art at the relatively new Kunsthalle, and remember to take a selfie with Zaha Hadid’s stunning building, the Radiator.
Navigating Prague is a breeze
Prague isn’t Paris; everything is right at your fingertips there! And to ensure you’re always on track, you’ll score a festival map packed with all the deets: from must-see festival spots to the Pride Parade route and handy practical tips.
Lock in your dates and stay tuned to https://festival.praguepride.com/en for the inside scoop on all the can’t-miss happenings at Prague Pride.
See you in Prague!
Prague Pride Festival is kindly supported by the City of Prague.
