Brussels is expecting some 200,000 revellers for Pride in the city centre on Saturday – similar to the number of LGBTQ+ friendly party-goers in the capital last year. From the iconic parade and speeches to DJs and (after)parties, here is an overview of what is on the agenda.
After Brussels was decked out in rainbows this week, Pride Week will conclude with the Pride parade taking place on Saturday afternoon. Thousands of people will set off from Mont des Arts at 14:30, make their way through the centre before arriving back at Mont des Arts around 18:00. A map of the route will be available shortly.
In the parade, some 200,000 members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community are expected to take to the streets to celebrate and highlight the LGBTQ+ community. This year, Pride's theme is 'Unite, time to protect our rights': a call for a society where everyone's fundamental rights are respected every day.
Numerous associations, political parties and even European institutions will also participate. In a press release, several European institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament, announce their presence at the large-scale event in Brussels – to highlight their own commitment to diversity, inclusion and LGBTQ+ rights.
European Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, for example, will visit the Pride Rainbow Village and the European Commission's 'Love Tunnel' – where they will launch an interactive digital game on LGBTQ+ rights.
Where's the party?
The Pride Village – an area where people learn more about LGBTQ+ organisations and associations – will open at 12:00, on Boulevard de l'Empereur, near the Mont des Arts.
Additionally, like every year, a stage will be set up at Square Albertine, with a diverse programme that "respects the values of the event and honours Brussels and Belgian talent." DJ Romain Kuntz will start the party at noon, before the Sing Out Brussels queer choir takes over. From around 14:00, there is time for speeches before the parade takes off.
However, performances will take place on the Albertine stage during the march as well: a drag show will be held until 16:00, followed by a DJ set and live music. Once the parade has made its way back to the square, the party will really get started with DJ Rokia Bamba, a live performance by Colt and another DJ set, this time featuring Belgium's iconic 2023 Eurovision candidate Gustaph.
In the evening, the stage will be given to even more DJs until 23:30. However, that does not mean the end of the party, as (gay) clubs and bars will host specific Pride-themed nights that are known to last into the early hours.
People gather in front of the stage on Place Albertine for the 'Belgian Pride,' 2022. Credit: Belga/Nicolas Maeterlinck
Famous gay club Madame Moustache is organising Pride after party, while Cave is going for an 'Under The Rainbow (Brussels Pride XXL Edition)' event. Additionally, many bars – especially those concentrated around the Rue du Marché au Charbon in the city centre – will be organising pride-themed nights.
Additionally, renowned clubbing venue Fuse is organising a special Brussels Pride evening that promises to become "an electrifying night". From 23:00 to 07:00, DJs such as Fafi Abdel Nour, Carlos Valdes, and the b2b Butchbpm & Laura Violi, will be playing, among many others.
Meanwhile, Brussels police expect "a lot of people" in the city centre. "Especially the hyper-centre will experience traffic disruption as a result. We therefore advise people to use car parks and public transport or bikes to get around."
Additional police officers will be deployed as well as plainclothes officers to ensure the safety of revellers. "The reception of our commissariats will also be reinforced to welcome everyone in the best possible conditions. Of course, the advice remains to call the emergency number 112 in case of urgent matters."
