It’s summer, which can only mean one thing in the LGBTQ community – it’s Pride season somewhere. Or time for the Pink Parade on the French Rivera!
The date changes every year depending on permission from Ville de Nice for the street events during the height of the tourism season. It seems every year it’s on the edge if it will even happen at all. And especially given the tragic event that took place last summer on the Promenade in Nice on Bastille Day, security measures are high this year, and the city has never felt safer.
Word got out by the organizers from the AGLAE Nice Côte d’Azur committee as early as possible that this year’s Pink Parade event will be on Saturday, August 5th, 2017 at 4:30pm, starting with a request for everyone to meet at Place Masséna, where a reflection will begin honouring those no longer with us.
After the gathering, everyone will then be welcomed to mobilize as one, and as usual with these type of street parades, there is a lot of joy, smiles and love in our hearts.
Shortly afterwards, at 7pm there will be a ‘Pink Drink’ outdoor dance party at the MAMAC with various local DJ’s followed by an evening of entertainment and special events at all the various associations, bars, restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city.
A big thank you needs to go out to the organizers who year after year still have to push for this important occasion to go forward, as sadly in this day and age there are still plenty of violations of basic rights including assaults, discrimination, and the like on a daily basis around the world.
Something though that has always been special about the Pink Parade in Nice, is that the whole of the Côte d’Azur comes together truly as a community. Elsewhere, many of these Pride events have now become very commercialized, with overpriced parties that exclude many people or the main reason behind the need for this day of recognition. Here in Nice, everyone is invited to the Pink Parade no matter who you love and participation in the day of events is always for you to enjoy.
Happy Pink Parade 2017 everyone!
All images courtesy AGLAE
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