THESSALONIKI, Greece: Over 15,000 people turned out in Thessaloniki on Saturday for the city's EuroPride parade, a colourful celebration of LGBTQ+ rights. The parade, themed "Persevere, Progress, Prosper," marked the culmination of a week-long series of events promoting diversity and inclusion.
A significant police presence ensured a safe environment for the parade, detaining 15 individuals who attempted to disrupt the event with harassment.
Participants marched through the city centre, culminating at the statue of Alexander the Great. The nearby White Tower, a city landmark, was illuminated in rainbow colours in a powerful display of LGBTQ+ pride. Some participants chanted slogans in response to pockets of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.
The celebration comes amidst ongoing tensions in Greece, particularly in the more religiously and nationalistically conservative northern region. The recent legalization of same-sex marriage divided the ruling party and sparked opposition from some religious groups.
Despite these challenges, EuroPride received strong official backing. The city co-sponsored the event, and several foreign ambassadors, including those from the United States and the Netherlands, attended the parade.
"I am proud to be here ... for EuroPride 2024," said U.S. Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis. "This is about human dignity, this is about acceptance, this is about love, this is about equality. And, frankly, we need more love, more acceptance, more kindness in this world."
Dutch Ambassador to Greece Susanna Terstal echoed this sentiment, stating, "I am here to show our support for diversity and equality for all. You are who you are, and you can love who you love."
Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis welcomed the international representatives and parade participants, emphasizing the city's commitment to human rights. With a successful EuroPride celebration, Thessaloniki passes the torch to Lisbon, which will host the event in 2025.
