Athens Gay Pride

Athens Gay Pride

The official Athens Gay Pride group is an all-volunteer, non-profit registered partnership operating under the Greek Civil Code since 2006. Its foremost function is to organize their annual festival and parade.

Moreover, the organization produces cultural, social, and political happenings during the year, either alone or in partnership with other bodies. The mission of Athens Pride is to "elevate the visibility of LGBT persons in Greek society, and in so doing advance their rights and demands. Athens Pride also raises youth awareness and support through its Volunteer Program.

Athens Pride provides a free public platform for all LGBTQI community organizations to put forth their aims, activities, and specific demands. Other participants include human rights groups, political parties, and affiliated cultural and civil society organizations. Athens Pride also hosts some health organizations that offer vital information as well as free on-site HIV/STD testing."

The first Athens Pride took place in June 2005. Although various "pride" events had been held in the city since the mid-1980s, Athens Pride 2005 marked the first Gay Pride Parade through the city center and past the Hellenic Parliament during daylight hours. Approximately 500 people took part in that event. Since 2005, the Athens Pride festival has grown exponentially in size, recognition, and respect.



When:
The Athens Gay Pride parade is held annually in June.

Tickets:
Participation in the parade is free. Also, most of the events that take place during Pride Week (the week before the parade) also have free admission.

Where:
The Athens Gay Pride parade takes place in the center of Athens, including Stadiou Street, and ends at Syntagma Square, where the main stage is located.