Pride parades have grown from small protest marches in the 1970s to some of the largest public gatherings on the planet. Today, the biggest Pride events regularly draw millions of participants and spectators. Here is a look at the most impressive Pride parades around the world.
São Paulo, Brazil
The São Paulo Pride Parade is widely regarded as the largest Pride event in the world. Since its modest beginnings in 1997 with around 2,000 participants, it has grown to attract an estimated 3 to 5 million people each year. The parade takes place on Avenida Paulista, the city's main boulevard, and features dozens of massive sound trucks (trios elétricos) carrying DJs and performers. Despite Brazil's complex relationship with LGBTQ+ rights, São Paulo Pride has become an unmissable cultural event and a powerful demonstration of queer visibility in Latin America.
New York City, USA
As the birthplace of the modern Pride movement, New York City's Pride March holds a special place in LGBTQ+ history. Typically drawing 2 to 3 million people, the march travels down Fifth Avenue through Greenwich Village, passing the Stonewall Inn. The 2019 edition, marking the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and coinciding with WorldPride, attracted an estimated 5 million people — making it one of the largest public gatherings in US history.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid Pride (Orgullo de Madrid) has become the largest Pride event in Europe, regularly attracting 1.5 to 2 million participants. Centred around the Chueca neighbourhood, the city's historic LGBTQ+ quarter, the week-long festival culminates in a massive parade along the Gran Vía. Spain's progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights — it was the third country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2005 — has made Madrid a magnet for queer travellers from across Europe and beyond.
London, United Kingdom
Pride in London is one of the largest and most well-known Pride events in Europe. The parade winds through the West End from Baker Street to Whitehall, attracting over 1.5 million spectators and around 30,000 marchers from hundreds of organisations. The event has been running since 1972, making it one of the oldest Pride celebrations in the world.
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco Pride is one of the oldest and most iconic Pride events in the world. The city's Castro District has been a centre of LGBTQ+ culture since the 1960s, and the annual parade down Market Street draws over a million people. The event was instrumental in the early Pride movement and continues to be a symbol of queer liberation.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam's Canal Parade is unique among Pride events worldwide. Instead of marching through streets, participants float through the city's iconic canals on elaborately decorated boats. The event typically attracts around 500,000 spectators lining the canal banks. In 2026, Amsterdam will host both WorldPride and EuroPride, which is expected to draw record crowds.
Cologne, Germany
Cologne Pride (Christopher Street Day) is the largest Pride event in Germany, regularly drawing over a million visitors. The parade through the city centre features elaborate floats and has become one of the defining events of Cologne's cultural calendar — at its peak, it has even rivalled the city's legendary Carnival parade in size.
Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the most spectacular Pride events in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1978 as a political protest, it has evolved into a dazzling parade along Oxford Street featuring thousands of participants in extravagant costumes. The event attracts around 500,000 spectators and culminates in a famous after-party.