WorldPride: From Madrid 2017 to New York 2019
The global WorldPride was recently held in Madrid this year, with the Spanish capital hosting the continent-wide EuroPride and its own largest’s annual LGBTQ gatherings as well.
But from Madrid this year, WorldPride is going to New York in 2019 and we’re sure to expect even greater festivities marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
WorldPride in Madrid
To mark Madrid Pride’s 40th anniversary, the city hosted a double celebration of the WorldPride and EuroPride– the first time any city has done this– in a fabulous 11-day run.
Festivities kicked off with the WorldPride parade last July 1, one of the largest LGBTQ marches ever assembled.
“In Madrid, the parade is a demonstration that joins proof of our numbers and sheer celebration,” said Carlos Sánchez García-Plaza, WorldPride’s communications director.
“All of us will try to be the voices of those that need to be silent in their own countries,” he added.
Aside from the march, they had a cultural program with art exhibitions, readings, and theatrical and cabaret performances. Globally famous singers also participated from the EurovisionSong Contest.
There was also the LGBTQ human rights conference, Madrid Summit, at the University Autónoma of Madrid. Likewise, there was Madrid Pride’s 9th Pride Games and the world’s first Diversity Race.
Of course, there were also 11 parties across nine days in clubs like Fabrik, Enrique Tierno Galván Park and Ciudad del Rock, as well as top circuit parties at Palm Springs’ White Party and London’s Beyond Club.
From Madrid to New York
Founded by Paul Stenson, WorldPride promotes LGBT issues on an international level via parades, festivals, and other cultural activities.
It was first held in Rome in 2000, with the host cities selected by InterPride, an international association of pride coordinators that holds the license of the event.
Madrid was first voted on last 2012 during the InterPride’s annual conference in Boston. It was selected unanimously by more than 80 delegations from around the world.
This year’s WorldPride also coincided with the 40th anniversary of the first demonstration in Spain to support LGBT people in 1977.
It also marked the 25th anniversary of the State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals, and Bisexuals (FELGTB).
From Madrid, InterPride accepted the bid of Heritage of Pride last 2015 to host the succeeding WorldPride in 2019 in New York City.
Heritage of Pride is a volunteer-led membership organization that produces the NYC Pride every year since 1984.
More importantly, this event will be celebrated concurrently with Stonewall 50, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in 1969 that happened in New York’s Greenwich Village neighborhood.
As the website for the WorldPride NYC 2019 states: “Pride is a singular celebration with a million faces—individuals, families, lovers, leaders, friends. No destination embodies its spirit better than New York City.”
“With countless people and places, this city proves that something can be multifaceted, yet one of a kind. In 2019, New York City invites the world to mark the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising—a pivotal moment in LGBTQ history,” it added.
“Join us in June 2019 to celebrate a half century of progress and Pride.”