How to Celebrate Luxembourg Pride Week

Written by Kylie Mullis

Pride Month is traditionally celebrated in June each year; however, Luxembourg’s celebration won’t take place until the first week of July! This event serves to commemorate the LGBTQ+ community and their fight for equality and acceptance. It is a time to raise awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusivity.

Pride Week:

Queer Arts Festival

When: To Be Determined
What: An exceptional art festival in Luxembourg that provides an exclusive platform solely dedicated to showcasing queer artists.

Commemoration Ceremony

When: Monday, 3rd July 2023 ; 7pm – 7:30pm
Where: National Museum of the Resistance, Place de la Résistance, L-4041 Esch-sur-Alzette
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/4cK6eWSSX

For centuries, individuals who identify as LGBTIQ+ have faced marginalization and continue to be targeted by social hatred and crimes. Because of this, Luxembourg Pride believes it is essential to pause and pay tribute to those who were not as fortunate as we are and demonstrate our respect for the journey they paved for us.

This marks the eighth consecutive year of organizing this ceremony at the esteemed Monument of Resistance in Esch, providing Luxembourg Pride with another chance to welcome a diverse audience in its entirety.

ING Pride Run

The first Pride Run takes place in Luxembourg City this July 5th! Organised by ING Luxembourg & the City of Luxembourg, this is your chance to show your support to the LGBTQIA+ community and to participate in a festive and inclusive race!

When: Wednesday 5 July, starting at 7pm at the Cité Judiciaire.

Other Events

What: Diva Storytelling with d’Séraphine liest vir!
When: Wednesday, 5th July 2023

What: Panel Discussion
When: Thursday, 6th July 2023 ; 2pm – 10pm

What: Pride Headquarters
Open: 3 – 10 July 2023
Where: 66, rue de Luxembourg, L-4149 Esch-sur-Alzette

Street Fest:

Equality March

When: 8th July, 2023
Meeting Point: 12pm (for registered floats), 12.30pm for foot groups & individuals at the Parking Aloyese Meyer (Esch-sur-Alzette)
Start: 1pm

Pride parades have their roots in the Stonewall Riots, which took place in June 1969 in New York City. The riots were a response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar at the time. The uprising marked a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, inspiring increased activism and organizing.

Pride parades serve as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to come together, celebrate their identities, and raise awareness about the challenges and discrimination that the LGBTQ+ community faces. The parades often feature vibrant displays of color, music, dancing, and costumes. They are characterized by a festive atmosphere and a sense of community, providing a safe space for people to express themselves authentically.

In addition to the celebrations, pride parades have an important political aspect. They serve as a means of visibility and a call for equal rights and social acceptance. Many parades include advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, and businesses that support LGBTQ+ rights, using the event as an opportunity to raise awareness, provide resources, and promote inclusive policies.

The Luxembourg Equality March has taken place since 2015, and is always the very beginning of the Street Fest that occurs on that same weekend. When the parade arrives at the town hall square in Esch-sur-Alzette, the festival is officially started!

Important: Large groups and floats made by associations, non-profits, parties, institutions, etc. must register to be in the parade in advance. Individuals and small friend groups are more than welcome to join the march spontaneously.

Saturday, 8th July 2023

Following the equality march will be a series of events, including an introduction to the weekend, a variety of singers, drag queens, and more! These events begin at 3pm and continue all the way until 7:30pm. Some of the performances to look out for are Fada’s Family & Delux Showgirls, DJ Pippa, Luxembourg Drag Stars, and other artists that are yet to be determined! The festivities will wrap up with an after-party, followed by a unique version of the Queesch that will commence right after the final performance on the Gaymat/Pride stage at the Lennox Club in Luxembourg City.

Sunday, 9th July 2023

To kick off the day on Sunday, take part in the Rainbow Breakfast & Drag Bingo that will take place in the main square! Beginning at 10am, you’ll have the chance to meet people, play bingo, and win some possible prizes. The performers of the day are Fada’s Family & Delux Showgirls, Remo Forrer, and Anne-Marie David (with others to follow).

Are there any of your favorite events that we missed? Be sure to make the most of your experience at this years Pride Week, and participate in as little or as many of the events as your heart desires!