The banner of the LGBT Freedom Association, organizer of Maspalomas Pride, opened the multitudinous Float Parade this Saturday, with the message "There is no Pride without trans people. There is no silence in the face of hate," as a sign of rejection of the worrying regression of rights suffered by the LGBTQ+ community and trans people in several countries around the world.
The colorful parade, which filled the main streets of Playa el Inglés, drew more than 100.000 people, with another 20.000 joining in, enjoying the festivities at the Yumbo until dawn.
The parade was led by families with trans children from the Chrysallis Canarias Association, who wore T-shirts with slogans such as 'New name, new clothes. Same heart' or 'Transition is curable or the best medicine is information'.
The 8-kilometer march through Playa del Inglés's main avenues became a massive celebration demanding equality and respect for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community around the world.
This year, the LGBT Freedom Association has dedicated its manifesto, banner, and float messages as a public gesture of protest against the rise in hate speech, institutional violence, and the legal setbacks suffered by many LGBTQ+ people.
For the first time, Spanish Television broadcast the Parade on Channel 2 throughout Spain, and on the International Channel, with a team of 11 cameras and 50 people, under the coordination of Franscisca González, regional director for the Canary Islands.
The multicolored procession, which began at 16:00 p.m., consisted of 38 floats, accompanied on foot by hundreds of people wearing clothing, hats, and flags in the colors of the "rainbow," which symbolize tolerance and respect for the sexual identity of all people.
Throughout the route, hotels and apartments displayed flags waving from their balconies and windows. The streets of Maspalomas were filled with music, dancing, and fun. The multicolored procession proceeded smoothly, thanks to the well-organized parade, which began to the rhythm of a batucada (a drum band).
Muscular bodies paraded through the streets of Playa del Inglés, along with plenty of feathers and outfits designed for the occasion. With a temperature of 24 degrees, the large Maspalomas Pride fans helped beat the heat during the parade, which culminated at the Yumbo, where the party continued until dawn.
Yumbo Plaza was filled with thousands of people enjoying music curated by DJs Iván Pequeño, Esteban, Marc, Bernal, Adham, and Joseph Wolf, as well as performances by Roxy Rosario and Nalaya.
Sunday, Farewell Gala
On the final day of the event, this Sunday, May 11, music and fun will be the stars of the Freedom 'Ice Cream Pool Party' (13:00 p.m. to 21:00 p.m.) at the Seven Hotel & Wellness, with DJs Jose Lagares, Esteban López, Melques Viber, Sergio Tyler, and Bernal.
Ismael Lozano, winner of the Arkoiris Award for Best Canary Islands Writer in 2024, will be signing his novel 'Playa del Inglés' (from 20:00 p.m. to 23:00 p.m.) at the Siete Islas publishing house stand, located in the Diverse Literature section of Plaza del Yumbo.
The 'Sunday Night Pride Closing Show!' Gala, sponsored by SAMUR Salvamento y Rescate, will be presented at 21:00 p.m. in Plaza del Yumbo by Fruela and Rubén Dizá, with performances by ABBA (Spain), Carla Frigo (Spain), and Senhit (Italy), an artist sponsored by Bar Wunderbar.
The Freedom 'Love is in the Air' Closing Party, starting at 23:59 p.m., will feature musical selections by DJs Jonatan Tamayo and San Keryton, and a stellar performance by Fruela
