Rainbows fill the streets of Lisbon

I said in previous articles that June is a special month in Lisbon, and in this one I am aiming to show you even more reasons to celebrate! June is also the pride month worldwide, where many events are dedicated to the LGBTI community, and in Lisbon this isn’t any different. This weekend (June 23rd and 24th) marks the 22nd edition of the Arraial Lisboa Pride!

What and where is Arraial Lisboa Pride?

This huge party started all the way back in 1997 and is the biggest event in Portugal that highlights equality and the portuguese LGBTI community. And it is supported by many organizations and even the city itself as one of the main events happening during the month of June! The latest celebrations have been held in Terreiro do Paço, aka Praça do Comércio, in downtown Lisbon, so it isn’t difficult to get there, and there’s a myriad of attractions, like many bars and street food stands, but also Pride Village, a section dedicated to arts, businesses and other entities who wish to show support to the cause!

The celebration at Praça do Comércio, by Rita Torres.

What can I expect to see?

The organization of this big celebration has managed to bring many artists on board to play during party, many of them closely affiliated with the LGBTI community. The entertainment is very aimed at a more dance/electronic vibe, inviting many dj’s to make everybody dance! The main stage has met great national artists like Moullinex, Sequin and Da Chick, but also very interesting projects like Thug Unicorn, formed by a group of friends, this event aims to go against the preconceived and chauvinist notions in the music industry and tries to revolutionize dj sets; Fado Bicha, a great idea that takes the sound of fado, the typical portuguese genre, and guides it to the plight of the LGBTI; and #CasaDoCais, a original portuguese series, with mainly LGBTI cast, that deals with their life and struggles has young people trying to survive the big city and being a minority. This is just some of what you may find on the main stage, but if it’s too crowded, they also have the Welcome Center, which serves as sort of second stage, that holds not just dj sets but also dance classes and face painting shows.

Fado Bicha by André Kosters

The Importance.

The biggest thing to take out of this is that Lisbon is taking big steps towards the fight for equality, the Arraial Lisboa Pride is the biggest event but it’s not the only sign of this. Earlier this month, the LGBTI Pride March happened, going all the way of Principe Real to Ribeira das Naus, and, much like the Arraial, it’s near its 20th edition! So I encourage you to go and support these events if you’re in Lisbon, it’s free, it’s colorful and it will make you dance!

Photo by Nuno Miguel Gonçalves.