Thessaloniki to Welcome Over 40,000 Visitors for EuroPride 2024 Event

Thessaloniki Pride parade 2018. Photo source Thessaloniki Pride

Thousands of people are expected to visit Thessaloniki in June to celebrate acceptance and equality at the first EuroPride to be held in Greece, according to the event’s organizer.

Scheduled to take place during June 21- 29, the Europride 2024 event will run in Thessaloniki under the slogan “Perseverance – Progress – Prosperity” to promote justice, equality and the creation of a prosperous future in an inclusive society.

Organized since 1992, EuroPride is Europe’s most significant LGBTI+ event. This is the second time the event will take place in south Eastern Europe, licensed by the European Pride Organizers Association.

Speaking recently to Greek TV station ERT-3, Apostolos Karabairis, a representative of the event’s organizer, said the event is expected to attract over 40,000 individuals.

“We are keeping an eye on bookings and want the event to be a celebration for the whole city and its visitors,” he said.

Thessaloniki prepares for a big LGBTI+ summer

Thessaloniki Pride parade 2018. Photo source Thessaloniki Pride

Thessaloniki Pride won the right to host EuroPride at the European Pride Organizers Association’s annual general neeting in Gothenburg, Sweden, in October 2017. It was initially due to take place in 2020 but was then cancelled due to the Covid pandemic. Members voted at the AGM in 2020 to allow Thessaloniki Pride to host EuroPride in 2024 instead.

The 9-day EuroPride festival in the Greek city will host events in several locations around the city center. the event’s main location will be the waterfront promenade, Xarchakos Park, the cultural space of Thessaloniki Port and Aristotelous Square. 

According to the organizer, the festivities will reach their peak on the final day, June 29, with the EuroPride Parade to pass through the historical center and by the waterfront while the city’s White Tower will be lit up in rainbow colors. Parallel events will be organized by many of Greek and European partners.

Thessaloniki Pride parade 2017. Photo source Thessaloniki Pride

“By hosting EuroPride in South East Europe, we aspire to fight discrimination against LGBTI+ people; boost confidence and hope for the community in the Balkans and beyond; and contribute to making all of Europe a safe and inclusive zone for all genders, sexualities, expressions and all diversity in general,” Karampairis stressed.

According to travel website TravelPulse, the city of Thessaloniki is among the 20 top LGBTQ-friendly destinations for travel in 2024. The website praised the city for its variety of activities as well as its beautiful architecture and history.