June is officially pride month! 🏳️‍🌈 This is to commemorate 50 years since the stonewall riots which happened in 1969 in New york. A gay bar, Stonewall, was raided by police causing riots across the city (homosexuality was still illegal). Since the riots, the LGBTQ community has protested, paraded and celebrated their freedom around the world.

In Spain, homosexuality became legal in 1979, 10 years after the Stonewall riots. Spain was one of the first countries in Europe to allow same-sex marriage back in 2005. Since then many things have improved for the LGBTQ community but there is still a long way to go. To celebrate freedom, love and pride month, here are the best pride festivals in Spain.

Madrid Pride festival

28 June – 7 July 2019

Don’t miss out on the biggest pride festival in Spain. Madrid knows how to party and has a big LGBT community. From high heel races to free concerts across the city, Madrid pride is an experience. There will be events in different neighbourhoods including Chueca (Madrid’s gaybourhood) Malasaña, Lavapies and Barrio de las letras. Check out the official Madrid pride website for more info and tickets.

Barcelona Pride festival

15 – 29 June 2019

The second biggest city in Spain also knows how to throw a party. Barcelona was the first Spanish city to get involved in the LGBT movement after the stonewall riots took place in the USA. This year Barcelona will celebrate pride on the same day (28 June 2019). The Vengaboys are headlining the festival along with many other feel-good musicians. See more on the official Barcelona Pride website.

Mallorca pride festival

26 – 29 June 2019

It may be small but it is definitely proud! Gay pride festival in Palma de Mallorca has been around for the past few years. Starting with a parade  through the old town from Es Baluard at 7pm heading to Plaza Cort at 8.30pm followed by concerts until late. Download the Mallorca Pride festival brochure (although only available in Mallorquín). You can also check out Ella lesbian festival hosted in Mallorca at the end of August, a great place to meet people and have a fab time.

Ibiza Pride festival

12 – 15 June 2019

Arguably the biggest party destination in Europe, Ibiza doesn’t hold back! The great March will take place on 15 June at 7pm starting in the centre of Ibiza town and ending in the port at 8pm for concerts and music until late. Don’t miss out on some top drag DJs perfoming in paradise! Download the Ibiza pride festival program.

Gran Canaria pride festival

7 – 17 May 2020

Maspalomas pride has already taken place this year but they are already planning Maspalomas 2020! Don’t miss out on one of the biggest parades and festivals of the Canary islands, set in a place where it’s summer all-year-round. The festival always begins with a pool party, so remember your speedos!👙

So get your ‘drag’ rags on and let’s celebrate pride and love! 🌈