Montréal Pride runs for about ten days in mid-August every year. The Festival offers an exciting program with over 100 events: free shows and dance events, festivities in various establishments around the Gay Village, the unforgettable T-Dance, Community Day, and the Pride Parade.
The culmination of the Pride celebrations falls on the last day of the Festival when all participants join the Pride Parade. The marching takes about two to three hours and finishes with the grand T-Dance at Parc des Faubourgs. Locations change every year, so we suggest checking the official website for details.
The Parade is an old tradition, running since 1979 when about 200 people decided to commemorate New York City's 1969 Stonewall Riots with "Gairilla." This became the start of Montreal Pride. The modern parade Fierté Montréal or Montreal Pride was held for the first time in 2007. It has become the largest LGBTQ event in the francophone world. It displays the community's solidarity, strength, and respect for basic human rights. The parade is often attended by Canadian and international politicians and civil rights activists.
The Montreal Gay Village is one of the most impressive in North America. Located in downtown Montreal, not far from Ste. Catherine Street, it has a huge nightlife center with many restaurants, bistros and art galleries.
