Cologne Gay Pride (CSD)

Cologne Gay Pride or CSD (Christoper Street Day) is the biggest LGBTQ demonstration in Germany, and one of Europe's largest. Running for roughly two weeks, Germany's iconic gay city is host to a series political, cultural, and party events that celebrate everything LGBTQ related. The two highlights of Cologne Gay Pride, however, are the CSD Street Festival, which transpires in many of the city's public squares (platz) and of course the Pride Parade, referred to locally as the CSD Demonstration. 

Cologne Gay Pride first started as a relatively small demonstration in 1991. Organized by the Cologne Association for Gays and Lesbians, the event followed the maxim of "Good Friends Come Together" and was welcomed with open arms from the get-go. Today, Cologne Pride attracts hundreds of thousands of pride enthusiasts each year, and some 80 floats take part in the procession. As with any Pride, Cologne Gay Pride is a firm advocator for the legal and social acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersexual and transgender individuals.

While Cologne Gay Pride usually lasts for roughly two weeks, things really heat up on the event's final weekend. The street festivals take place from the Friday until the Sunday in the old town, culminating with the parade on Sunday afternoon. So if you like the idea of experiencing your pride in what is arguably Germany's gayest city, pencil in Cologne Gay Pride to your event's calendar - you won't regret it, it's sehr gut!  

For full details on Cologne Pride 2024, be sure to check out the official event program. Happy Pride! 

©Facebook/Cologne Pride