The 10-day-long festivities have come to an end after a colorful parade, led for the first time by two government ministers and including nearly 50 floats, took over the streets of the capital
This year marked the 40th anniversary of World Pride.Jaime VillanuevaThe festivities began on Saturday with a march that rallied under the banner “Conquering equality, TRANSforming society.”JUAN MEDINA (REUTERS)For the first time, two government ministers headed the march – Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska (l) and Health Minister Carmen Montón (r).The march left from Atocha and traveled up the Paseo de Prado avenue up to the Plaza de Colón square.Samuel de Roman (GETTY)A woman at the march carries a sign reading, “I will not be free as long an LGBT+ person is not free although their chains may be very different to my own.”Jaime VillanuevaMadrid Mayor Manuela Carmena (second left) and Health Minister Carmen Montón took part in the celebrations.Jaime VillanuevaThe parade began at 7.30pm, after the march.OSCAR DEL POZO (ASP)Between one and two million people were estimated to attend the event.The parade included 47 floats.Around 3,000 police officers were on hand to maintain security.OSCAR DEL POZO (AFP)According to organizers, around one million people took part in the parade.Jaime VillanuevaOne of the colorfully-dressed members of the parade.Jaime VillanuevaA winged member of the Gay Pride parade.OSCAR DEL POZO (AFP)The first parade took place 40 years ago on June 25, 1978 when “homosexual acts” were criminalized.
