Gay Pride Madrid 2025

The origins of Gay Pride

The origins of International Gay Pride Day can be found in the Stonewall riots that took place on 28 June 1969, in New York City, when homosexuals rose up against a system that persecuted them and that was supported by the government. Little by little, coinciding with this anniversary, the marches and celebrations spread to several countries in Europe, America and Australia. 

In Spain, Franco´s regime prevented news from entering the country and the climate was not at all LGTBIQ+ friendly. This regime ended in 1975. In 1977, in Barcelona, a parade in favour of gay rights was held for the first time in Spain. 4,000 people gathered together; however it was soon dispersed using force. The next year, in 1978, approximately 7,000 persons gathered in Madrid for the first Gay Pride parade in the country's capital, marking a significant moment in Spain's LGTBIQ+ history. The festival has continued to grow since then.

What happens during Gay Pride Madrid

The festival takes over Madrid with its celebrations bringing all kinds of cultural expression to the streets with a variety of events and activities during Pride week. Here are a few of the events in the Gay Pride programme.

Pride proclamation in Chueca

Gay Pride begins with a proclamation. Every year a famous person from the LGTBIQ+ collective makes a speech in Pedro Zerolo square in the Chueca neighborhood, just 1 minute away from the NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía. The Pride proclamation sets the tone for the rest of the celebrations, inspiring pride, joy, and a renewed commitment to equality and acceptance.

The parade

The world's largest LGTBIQ+ advocacy event, it is the cornerstone of Gay Pride Madrid, featuring colourful floats, extravagant costumes, music, and dancing, with the State Pride March forming the centerpiece of Madrid's Pride festivities. This usually takes place on the second Saturday of the festival. The route begins at Glorieta de Carlos V ending in Plaza de Colón. Nearby you can find some hotels ideal for Gay Pride Madrid 2025 such as NH Madrid Atocha and NH Madrid Nacional. A good place to find accommodation close to the end of the parade is NH Collection Madrid Colón. Famous brands, political parties, collectives and groups, and celebrities will be a presence with their own festive floats.

The “tacón” (high heels) race

Madrid's LGTBIQ+ Pride festivities wouldn't be complete without the iconic High Heels Race, held in Calle Pelayo. Participants, regardless of their attire, will be strutting along in their high heels, some of which measure up to 15 centimetres. This event demands not just footwork but also pre-race primping. Along the course, participants can grab a dress and lipstick at two pit stops. The race features three heats and a final, with winners and finalists receiving various prizes.

Mr. Gay Spain

Mr. Gay Spain is a beauty contest and it is one of the main events in the Pride festivities, showcasing LGTBIQ+ realities. Contestants, representing their regions, will compete to represent Spain internationally. Usually held in the Plaza de España, it highlights the personal stories and triumphs of the finalists, adding depth to the celebrations.

Concerts and musical performances

Throughout Pride Week, Madrid hosts a variety of concerts featuring both local and international artists. From pop concerts to drag shows, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Cultural events

In addition to the festivities, it also includes cultural events such as film screenings, art exhibitions, and theatre performances, highlighting LGTBIQ+ contributions to the arts and culture.

Social and political activities

This is not just a festival, it's also a platform for activism and advocacy. There are panel discussions and workshops addressing LGTBIQ+ rights, discrimination, and social justice issues. Travel tips If you're planning to attend the Gay Pride event, here are a few tips to enhance your experience: 

• Book your hotel in advance, as hotels fill up quickly during Pride Week. 

• Familiarise yourself with the event schedule and plan accordingly. 

• Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks as needed to avoid exhaustion. 

• Above all, embrace the spirit of inclusivity and celebration.

Stay with NH Hotels & Resorts when attending Gay Pride Madrid

Make sure that you have an excellent and comfortable stay, so you’ll have enough energy for all the parties!

NH Hotels & Resorts offers you centrally located hotels in prime locations to stay in Madrid during the event. There are Gay-friendly hotels in Madrid very close to the main stages of the festival, and also some of the main places of interest in the capital. 

In addition, our NH Madrid hotels offer top quality cuisine with a contemporary take on local specialities. Restaurants that have award-winning chefs of the calibre of David Muñoz, Paco Roncero and Óscar Velasco.

How to get around during Gay Pride

Madrid has an extensive network of metro, bus and commuter trains, besides more eco-friendly options such as bike rental or car sharing. Throughout the event, transport services will be increased, and timetables will be extended. 

The main metro lines are one, five and ten, and the closest stations to the festivities are Chueca, Alonso Martínez, Gran Vía, Tribunal, Callao and Sol. You can look up the route here. If you choose to travel by bus, here is a map of the connections and main hubs that will also be very useful if you wish to travel outside Madrid. 

It is also easy to walk to most of the activities at World Pride, with the heart of the activity in the Plaza de Chueca and the surrounding streets. Below we suggest routes and tips to enjoy the city on foot, without hurry: 

• Chueca neighborhood Madrid 

• Experience the Gran Vía: the Street that Never Sleeps 

• What to see in Madrid in one day