A Safe Haven in the Heart of Europe: Celebrating Brussels Pride 2024

As the capital of Belgium and Europe, Brussels is gearing up to kick off the European Pride season with a vibrant and powerful message under the banner of “Safe Everyday Everywhere.” This heartfelt theme sets the stage for Brussels Pride, happening on Saturday, May 18, 2024, to honor the LGBTQIA+ community by painting the city with the colors of the rainbow.

This year’s Pride promises not only a celebration of diversity and love but also a strong call to action against discrimination, violence, and hate crimes. With an expected turnout of 250,000 people, the event aims to amplify the voices advocating for a society that is inclusive, safer, and fairer—every day and in every place.

Brussels Pride 2024 will span ten days, beginning on May 8 with a series of events that showcase the intersectionality and activism thriving within the community. Locations such as the Maison des Cultures in Molenbeek and around the Suzan Daniel Bridge will host the initial gatherings, leading up to the vibrant Pride Week. Attendees can expect a rich program of concerts, film screenings, performances, and workshops spread across iconic venues like Les Grands Carmes and RainbowHouse Brussels.

The crescendo of these festivities will be the Pride March, commencing at 14:30 from the Mont des Arts. The march will weave through the city, especially the historic Saint-Jacques district, echoing this year’s theme, promoting a safe and peaceful existence for everyone. Highlighting the event’s significance, Brussels Pride will include European delegations and a special participation from the organizers of EuroPride in Thessaloniki.

Pride Village will be another focal point, featuring numerous associations and institutions that will educate the public about the ongoing challenges and battles for community rights, both nationally and internationally. The music scene will be buzzing with performances from Belgian LGBTQIA+ artists and allies, including MUSTII and Drag Race Belgium contestants, ensuring that the spirit of inclusivity and celebration is felt throughout.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Place de la Bourse, centrally located near the Rainbow Village, will feature a stage managed by Los Ninos. This addition promises a dynamic mix of artistic expressions, further energizing the heart of Brussels with music and dance.

The festivities will also extend into the Rainbow Village and the Saint-Jacques district, ensuring that the pulse of Brussels is felt with jubilation and pride all weekend long. With over a hundred partners, associations, and artists participating, Brussels Pride is more than just a festival—it’s a movement towards a more open, tolerant, and loving society.

As Brussels decks out in rainbow colors, from illuminated landmarks to vibrant street decorations, this year’s Pride is a testament to the enduring spirit of the community and a beacon of hope for future generations. Brussels Pride 2024 is not just a celebration; it is a powerful declaration of the right to love and live freely, every day and everywhere.

www.brusselspride.eu