Unlike last year, there should actually be a gay pride parade in the streets of the metropolis during the Montreal Pride Festival from August 3rd to 13th, the organizers “promised, swore” on Friday.
“In addition to the Pride Parade, which will take place on August 13 […] [il y aura un Défilé, promis, juré!]Montreal Pride is again organizing two Community Days that will take place […] in the heart of the village, August 11 and 12,” announced the Montreal Pride Festival in its program.
The Pride parade, which was canceled at the last minute last year to the dismay of visitors, will take place on René Lévesque Boulevard, concluding the celebrations on August 13.
“Last year, in trying circumstances, communities said loud and clear that pride is insatiable. We’re coming back with a strong edition that we hope will live up to their claims,” said Simon Gamache, CEO of Pride Montreal.
- Listen to Sophie Durocher’s interview with Montreal Pride executive director Simon Gamache QUB radio:
Between August 3rd and 13th, there will also be numerous activities throughout the city, notably on the Esplanade of the Olympic Park, in the Village and in the Casino de Montréal.
“Fifteen major free shows and more than 150 artists, 95% of which come from sexual and gender diversity, will follow one another on the stages of the largest 2SLGBTQIA+ gathering in Francophonie,” the press release reads.
Singers Klô Pelgag and Safia Nolin and drag queen Rita Baga are expected to perform on the stage of the Olympic Park esplanade. Drag Queen Barbara will also be a guest at a Pride party on August 5th at the casino.
“Above all, with this conscious focus on young artists and racialized artists, we want to make the magic of inclusion and diversity tangible. Our allies are invited to the party,” said Chris Ngabonziza, Montreal Pride program director.