SEE PHOTO GALLERY OF THE PARADE AT THIS LINK
More than 300.000 people enjoyed the galas, parties and events organized by 'Maspalomas Pride by Freedom', which in addition to offering leisure and fun, has become an international event to demand freedom, equality and respect for all identities of the LGTBIQ+ collective. The economic impact meant income of more than 150 million euros.
The organization of this event, Freedom Asociación LGBT Maspalomas, is preparing the next edition in 2025, with more news and surprises that will take place from May 1 to 11.
The director of Maspalomas Pride by Freedom, Fernando Ilarduya, highlighted that this year more than 40 musical, cultural and sporting events have been organized, highlighting the massive Parade, in which 32 floats participated that paraded through the main avenues of Plaza del Inglés, which brought together more than 95.000 people of different nationalities. “Maspalomas has become one of the safest LGTBI destinations in the world,” said Ilarduya.
For eleven days, 'Maspalomas Pride by Freedom' held free shows, which took place mainly in the Yumbo square, and were broadcast live every night via streaming on the festival's YouTube and Instagram channels, which could be viewed from anywhere in the world.
The Plaza del Yumbo stage increased in size and two giant screens were placed in the middle of the square, so that the public could follow the performances. In addition, security measures were reinforced for access to the Plaza del Yumbo, whose premises were fenced and, every night, controls were carried out to prevent entry with glass containers and dangerous objects.
The Self-Protection Plan report, prepared by CECOSEM, concluded that for an event of this type and volume, “the medical incidents that occurred are merely testimonial, in relation to the number of attendees at the events, taking into account that, in the vast majority Of the events, there were no notable medical incidents, nor high-intensity private security or police actions.”
For this event, Freedom Asociación LGBT Maspalomas hired more than 100 people to work on this event and the Pride canteens did not offer drinks in glass containers and reusable plastic cups were used. Furthermore, in collaboration with the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council, it will plant 50 trees in the municipality, to offset the 'carbon footprint'.
Among the program's highlights were the return of the fun High Heel Race, the first pool party at the Yumbo Centre, the Talent Show, and the Charity Gala, which launched the Food Drive. The Freedom LGBT Maspalomas Association donated 4.000 kilos of food, destined for families in San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Cultural events and information campaigns
'Maspalomas Pride by Freedom has become one of the most demanding acts of the LGTBi+ community in Spain.' This year's proclamation highlighted that the motto of this edition, 'Not one step back!', means more than just words, “they are a firm commitment to our freedom and our dignity. We are here to celebrate love and inclusion, but also to remember that we will not tolerate any rollback of our rights. Above all, when we have fought so hard to move towards equality and justice. We see how certain political parties and movements try to destabilize the foundations of our democracy and undermine the rights for which we have fought so hard, that is why we say together, Not a step back! “We will not allow hatred or intolerance to gain ground, neither here nor anywhere in the world.”
The cultural activities addressed issues of Equality and Sexual Identity, such as the 'Dibutrans' T-shirt Exhibition, a talk for young people, a story-telling session for families and the presentation of Kayla Casanova's biography, 'Tierra Amarga', organized in collaboration with Eva Pascual Rodríguez, expert in supporting families with trans children and adolescents.
On the sporting side, the Maspalomas Paddle Tournament for Diversity was held, organized by the Canarian Paddle Federation, in which more than 300 athletes from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, the Canary Islands and Italy participated.
Information campaigns were carried out, in several languages, to promote care for the environment of the Maspalomas Dunes and the moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages and to avoid narcotic substances.
The public was able to enjoy the performances of more than 30 artists, Drags, dancers and DJs from Ireland, Brazil, Switzerland, Venezuela, Portugal, Colombia, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain.
Among the Canarian figures, the singers Cristina Ramos, Javy Martín, Dúo Fénix, Thania Gil, Jia Miles, Drag Gio, Dunia Roger, Free Vogue, Comparsa Baracoa and Rainbow Gospel Choir performed. And within the national music scene: Rebeca Brown, who celebrates 25 years in music, Angy Fernández and Jorge González (finalists at Benidorm Fest), Rebeca, Soraya Naoyin, Roser, Delisiah Glam, Sofia Coll, Rubén Dizá and as guests international: the British Matt Terry, Kelly Llorenna, Louisa Johnson (winner of X Factor in the UK), The Gangster Duo or the Italian Gio Box, in addition to musical tributes to Abba, Lady Gaga and Britney.
