The streets of the capital of Europe will once again don the colours of the rainbow for Brussels Pride.
This year, the theme ‘Unite, time to protect our rights’ will call for a society where everyone’s fundamental rights are respected daily.
A powerful and unifying message, more essential than ever in these troubled times when the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community are still too often challenged.
Brussels kicks off the European Pride season with no fewer than 200,000 people expected in the streets of Brussels to defend their rights and celebrate diversity.
An event spokesman said, “This is a necessary demonstration to ensure the protection of the fundamental rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
This year, Brussels chose the theme ‘Unite, time to protect our rights’.
In 2025, Pride is calling for “unity to defend the rights, freedoms, health, identity, diversity, existence, and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
The Belgian, European, and global political landscape increasingly endangers the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community through bans and threats, said the spokesman.
“Pride is an opportunity to peacefully remind political leaders of the importance of defending these rights and the need for governments to act in accordance with international human rights conventions.
“Today, it is essential to come together and support every individual, regardless of their origin, gender, religion, culture, skin colour, disability, or any other aspect of their identity.
“The LGBTQIA+ community still too often faces violence and discrimination, whether physical, verbal, online, in daily life, in private, or in public spaces.
“It is crucial to unite, beyond our differences, across generations, across Belgian and European borders, to protect one another.”
On Saturday 17 May, the Brussels Pride March will take over the streets of the city centre, while the Pride Village will welcome associations. LGBTQIA+ artists and allies will perform on multiple stages set up throughout the heart of the capital.
In total, around 100 partners, associations, and artists will aim to collaborate to make the event a significant and memorable day.
The Rainbow Village and its LGBTQIA+ venues, located in the Saint-Jacques neighbourhood at the heart of the capital, will once again be partnering the event this year, bringing life to the city’s iconic streets throughout the weekend.
To ensure that all participants can enjoy the celebration in a safe and welcoming environment, a Safer Zone will be organised.
This space will provide a place for anyone to take a break, receive medical assistance if needed, and/or report any inappropriate or offensive behaviour related to their gender and/or identity. Brussels Pride is not just about 17 May as it starts in the capital 10 days earlier.
Everything kicks off on Wednesday 7 May, with the launch of Brussels Pride Week, which will highlight, among other things, the recognition of Brussels Pride as part of the intangible heritage of the Brussels-Capital Region.
Throughout the week, RainbowHouse – the Brussels federation of LGBTQIA+ associations – along with various activist and artistic collectives, will be taking over Grands Carmes and other venues to offer a rich and diverse programme of events.
On Thursday 15 May, it’s time for Mini-Pride. This festive parade will make its way through the streets of the Saint-Jacques district, officially kicking off the weekend celebrations.
Along the way, it will pay tribute to the iconic Manneken-Pis, who will be dressed in a specially designed costume for the occasion. The cultural sector will also be participating in the event, featuring LGBTQIA+ artists and projects in collaboration with Brussels Pride.
Finally, during Pride Week and Brussels Pride, numerous buildings across the Brussels-Capital Region will be illuminated and decorated in the colours of the rainbow flag.
The spokesman said, “Brussels Pride is much more than a celebration of diversity, it’s a call for inclusion and equality.Beyond its festive aspect, Brussels Pride remains, more than ever, a crucial moment to advocate for the rights and demands of the LGBTQIA+ community and to reignite political discussions on these essential issues.”
