Madrid Pride

Madrid Pride or Madrid Orgullo is one of the biggest Pride celebrations in the world and the biggest event of its kind in Europe. It turns the city into a non-stop party, especially in the Chueca district, which is known for the gay bars and clubs. The event has to offer many concerts at different stages, drag performances, and a passionate crowd while sunshine is almost guaranteed.

Madrid Pride Date

Madrid Pride Parade usually takes place on the first week of July with the highlight being the parade on the first weekend of July.

When did Madrid Pride take place in 2025?

In 2025, the Pride Festival was taking place from July 2 to July 6, with the parade taking place on Saturday, July 5.

Preceding the pride march is a whole week of activities. The official kick-off begins on Wednesday evening at 20:00 with the traditional “pregón” (opening proclamation) at Plaza de Pedro Zerolo. There will be also concerts from 20:00 to 23:00 at the other stages of Puerta del Sol and Plaza del Rey.

On Thursday another highlight takes place at Pelayo Street, the Heel Race. Participants have to dash in heels up to 15 cm high, switch outfits halfway through, apply lipstick on the go… and cross the finish line keeping up their smile. The stages will be open again from 20:00 to 23:00 for concerts and from Thursday on there will also be concerts on Plaza de Espana.

On Friday the 19th edition of Mr. Gay España returns at Plaza de España, with regional finalists competing to represent Spain internationally.

From Friday to Sunday: There are daily Performances every night of Pride Week hosting live music, DJs, and performances on the aforementioned stages in Central Madrid.

We Pride Festival

Along with the Pride, the We Pride Festival puts up top-class events, making it one Europe’s biggest LGTBIQ+ events, with parties of the XLSIOR or PERVERT party series. On Saturday it will host the main party with 4 main areas at Fabrik Club.

When does Madrid Pride take place in 2026?

The official date is not yet confirmed, but it is likely, it will take place again in the first week of July. With the We Pride Festival parties and the official kick-off usually starting on a Wednesday, it would be recommended to arrive by Wednesday, July 1 and stay until Sunday, July 5 to experience the parade and main party on Saturday, July 4.

Looking for a more personal take on what Madrid Pride is really like? Read full Review of Madrid Pride last year to know what to expect in 2026.

Madrid Pride Route

The Pride Parade is set to start from at Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V (Atocha), in front of the Botanical Gardens and it proceeds along Paseo del Prado, passing Plaza de Cibeles and Neptuno, continuing up Paseo de Recoletos. It finishes at Plaza de Colón. Best viewing spots are Cibeles and Recoletos, offering the most vibrant and scenic views. Bring your own drinks: The parade isn’t inside a security zone, public drinking along the route is common and accepted.

Madrid Pride Starting Time

The Parade usually starts at 07:00 pm and concludes around well past midnight, transitioning everything into a big and wild street party.

Key Facts

Madrid Pride was first held on June 28, 1978, when 7,000 people marched in tribute to the Stonewall riots.

The Chueca district, once run-down, became a hub of queer life in the 1980s—home to bars, clubs, and the first local gay rights demonstrations. By 1997, parade floats joined the mix, blending activism with celebration and giving birth to the MADO we know today.

Milestones include Spain legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005, hosting EuroPride in 2007 with 2.5 million marchers, and welcoming the world for WorldPride Madrid in 2017.