Pride parades have transformed from small grassroots marches into some of the biggest Pride parades in the world Today, millions gather each year to march, dance, and show solidarity, turning city streets into festivals of visibility, resilience, and equality. Each Pride parade reflects local culture, but some have grown into massive international events that attract visitors from across the globe.
In this guide, we highlight the biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, exploring their history, scale, and lasting cultural impact.
New York City Pride – Where It All Began
When people talk about Pride, New York City is always at the top of the list. The annual parade commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Today, NYC Pride attracts over 2 million participants and spectators each year, making it one of the largest Pride events in the world.
Beyond the parade, NYC Pride includes marches, street fairs, parties, and memorial events that emphasize both celebration and activism.
- Date/Time: Held every June
- Official website
São Paulo Pride – The Largest Pride Parade in the World
The title of biggest Pride parade on the planet belongs to São Paulo, Brazil. Since its start in 1997, São Paulo Pride has grown into a massive celebration that regularly attracts 3 to 5 million people. The event is held on Avenida Paulista, one of the city’s main avenues, and features colorful floats, international performers, and political advocacy.
São Paulo Pride isn’t just a party—it’s a powerful statement in a country where LGBTQ+ rights are still contested, making visibility and activism all the more vital.
- Date/Time: Held every June
Madrid Pride – A European Powerhouse
Madrid Pride (Orgullo Madrid, or MADO) has become Europe’s largest Pride festival, drawing over 1.5 million people every year. The event stretches across several days, filling Madrid’s Chueca neighborhood with concerts, cultural events, and, of course, the parade itself.
The city hosted WorldPride 2017, which set attendance records and cemented Madrid’s place as one of the world’s leading Pride destinations.
- Date/Time: Usually at the end of June and beginning of July
- Official website
San Francisco Pride – Historic and Iconic
San Francisco is often called the gay capital of the world, and its Pride parade is a reflection of that reputation. Established in 1970, it now draws around 1 million attendees annually. The parade highlights the city’s deep ties to LGBTQ+ activism, with floats representing community groups, nonprofits, and major companies showing their support.
The city’s Castro District, one of the world’s most famous gay neighborhoods, also plays host to countless Pride parties and events.
- Date/Time: Held every June
- Official website
Toronto Pride – Canada’s Largest LGBTQ+ Celebration
Toronto Pride has grown into one of the largest events in North America, with over 1 million participants. The parade is the highlight of a month-long Pride festival that includes concerts, drag shows, trans marches, and a Dyke March.
Toronto Pride reflects Canada’s reputation for inclusivity and diversity, making it a welcoming celebration for locals and visitors alike.
- Date/Time: Held every June
- Official website
London Pride – Marching Through History
London Pride is not only one of the largest Pride parades in Europe but also one of the oldest. Today, it draws 1.5 million attendees who line the streets of central London. The parade showcases Britain’s LGBTQ+ community, with floats, music, and political messages filling the city with color.
In recent years, London Pride has also emphasized activism, calling attention to global LGBTQ+ struggles.
- Date/Time: Usually at the end of June and beginning of July
- Official website
Tokyo Rainbow Pride – Japan’s Largest LGBTQ+ Event
Tokyo Rainbow Pride has grown into one of Asia’s most high-profile Pride celebrations. Held every April in Yoyogi Park and the Shibuya/Harajuku area, the event now attracts over 200,000 participants and visitors.
The festival includes a vibrant parade, live performances, LGBTQ+ organization booths, and international sponsors, reflecting both activism and festivity. Tokyo Pride highlights Japan’s evolving attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights and serves as an important platform for visibility in a country where marriage equality is still being debated.
- Date/Time: Held every April
- Official website
Bangkok Pride – Southeast Asia’s Rising Celebration
Bangkok has quickly become one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting Pride destinations. Bangkok Pride, relaunched in 2022 after years of hiatus, has grown into a dazzling festival with parades through the city’s main streets, drag performances, and advocacy events.
By 2023 and 2024, the parade began attracting tens of thousands of participants, marking it as Thailand’s biggest Pride event. With the country moving toward legalizing same-sex marriage, Bangkok Pride is increasingly recognized as a celebration of progress and a symbol of hope for LGBTQ+ communities across Asia.
- Date/Time: Held every beginning of June
- Official website
Taipei Pride – Asia’s Biggest Pride Parade
In Asia, the title of largest Pride goes to Taipei, Taiwan, which hosts around 200,000 participants annually. Taipei Pride is especially significant as Taiwan was the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019.
The parade highlights Taiwan’s progressive role in LGBTQ+ rights, attracting international visitors from across the region.
- Date/Time: Held every October
- Official website
Other Notable Pride Events Around the World
- Berlin Pride (Christopher Street Day): One of Germany’s largest LGBTQ+ events, with over half a million attendees.
- Sydney Mardi Gras: A world-famous LGBTQ+ festival combining Pride, performance, and carnival, attracting international stars.
- Mexico City Pride: Over a million participants celebrate in one of Latin America’s most dynamic parades.