Spain’s capital Madrid is all set to kick-off WorldPride 2017, the global LGBTIQ festival, from June 23 to July 2. For over a week, the city will be the center of colourful and unique events, celebrating the strength and diversity within the LGBTIQ community, and advocating acceptance, education and unity – whoever you are. Among the participants are many Eurovision stars, who will join the celebrations to express their solidarity with the LGBTIQ community.

WorldPride Madrid 2017 will be held throughout the streets of the city, while the central hub will be the neighbourhood of Chueca. WorldPride Madrid wants to showcase the tolerance of the city, and of Spain as a whole, and welcomes all visitors:

Spain has always been a melting pot of different cultures and civilizations, a bridge between Latin America and Europe, and between Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe. Madrid, the capital of Spain is a true example of a multicultural city.

Our objective with the celebration of World Pride Madrid 2017 is to use these bridges as a tool for spreading the values of equality, respect, tolerance, freedom and equal rights we enjoy in Spain all over the planet.

Madrid is an open gateway, but a gateway to diversity.

Highlight of the WorldPride will be the World Pride Parade on Saturday 1 July. The parade will start at 17:00 (CET) at Atocha Station, moving along Paseo del Prado, and ending in Plaza de Colón, around 00:00 (CET).

Eurovision stars join the celebration

The Eurovision Song Contest, with its emphasis on sharing diversity and creating unity, has a special connection to the LGBTIQ community. Over the years, the contest has openly shown support towards the community, while the contest itself is highly popular among the LGBTIQ community.

A host of Eurovision stars will make their appearance during the WorldPride week, performing at various stages, and especially at the Europride Gala (at Puerta de Alcalá, Saturday July 1), hosted by singers LeKlein (Spanish selection for Eurovision 2017) and Suzy (Portugal 2014), including:

• Rosa Lopez (Eurovision 2002)
• Ruth Lorenzo (Eurovision 2014)
• Barei (Eurovision 2016)
• Kate Ryan (Eurovision 2006)
• Slavko Kalezić (Eurovision 2017)

Loreen (Eurovision 2012) will perform in honour of EuroPride 2018 in Stockholm and Gothenburg (Göteborg), while Conchita Wurst (Eurovision 2014) will represent EuroPride 2019 in Vienna.

Other Eurovision artists that join the WorldPride are: Mirela (Spanish national selection 2007, 2009 and 2017), Baccara, Azúcar Moreno, and Soraya. More stars from Eurovision might join the various celebrations as well.

For all events and latest information, please visit the official WorldPride Madrid 2017 website.