Brussels Pride 2024 programme starts on Wednesday 8 May with Pride Opening at Molenbeek and a Pride Week

Last year the Belgian Pride in Brussels reinvented itself as Brussels Pride. The difference? The organisation is now pushed and pulled by the Brussels-Capital Region via visit.brussels after the former organisers fell out. This year’s theme for the Brussels Pride – in the Capital of Europe is ‘Safe Everyday, Everywhere‘.

Ten days before the Pride March on Saturday 18 May 2024, Brussels Pride has a Pride Opening not in the old city centre, but at the Maison des Cultures et de la Cohésion Sociale de Molenbeek-Saint-Jean (House of Cultures and Societal Cohesion of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean) in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean or Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, colloquially known as Molenbeek.

“Kicking off Brussels Pride, this intersectional, symbolic, militant and festive opening event will bring together LGBTQIA+ community players and their allies.

It promises to be a unifying event to meet people and create links. It will also be an opportunity for Pride to reach a new part of the capital.”

On the programme at 3 PM, at the Maison des Cultures et de la Cohésion de Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, is a discussion titled ‘Pride: militant or festive?’.

From 5.30 PM, at Quai des Matériaux / Materialenkaai: a deejay set, speeches, stand-up comedy and creative workshops.

The location is close to the Suzan Daniel Bridge, named after an emblematic figure in the lesbian struggles of the 1950s.

Pride Week

8 May to 17 May is Pride Week. Brussels Pride Week is 10 days of events proposed by LGBTQIA+ activists, collectives, associations and allies. Throughout Pride Week, many activities are organised around this year’s Brussels Pride – in the Capital of Europe Pride theme. Pride Week brings together a concentration of talents, moments of debate, meetings and astoundingly diverse creation.

The event shines the spotlight on events that make the Belgian LGBTQIA+ communities shine and are inclusive, empowering, safe and sustainable.

Organised by Rainbow Corporate and Pride asbl, Brussels Pride Week takes place at important sites for the LGBTQIA+ communities such as RainbowHouse Brussels and the Grands Carmes, well-known to the LGBTQIA+ community, cultural and museum spaces, as well as public spaces and other venues.

Pride March

“Pride March is a must-attend event for all those who wish to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, everyone is invited to participate in this day of celebration, love and tolerance. Pride March is one of Brussels Pride – in the Capital of Europe’s flagship events”, the Brussels Pride says.

“Pride’s objective is to celebrate diversity, tolerance and acceptance of all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, with a march through the streets of the capital.

Pride March is a demonstration that moves through the streets of Brussels, accompanied by props, floats and a festive, musical atmosphere. It leaves from the Mont des Arts / Kunstberg at 2 PM and is expected to arrive around 5 PM. A map will be available shortly. Participants are welcome from 11 AM.

Everyone is welcome to participate in Pride March, whether you are an organisation or an individual. If you want to participate with your band, you need to register online at brusselspride.eu. Registration is free and allows you to join the march on foot or with your own float and your own band.

There is no specific theme for Pride March. “But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring out your best outfits for the occasion! The event does, however, have an overarching theme, which is ‘Safe Everyday Everywhere’.”

Children and people with disabilities are also more than welcome at Pride March. Accessibility and inclusiveness are essential and measures are taken to make the march an event that is open to all.

Rainbow Village ≠ Pride Village

There’s a Pride Village and a Rainbow Village. These are not the same.

Brussels Rainbow Village is an association of local LGBTQIA+ businesses dedicated to promoting and supporting Brussels’ LGBTQIA+ community.

The association was founded with the aim of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of the community, while encouraging economic growth and development in the region.

Through a variety of initiatives and events, Brussels Rainbow Village strives to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and promote a sense of community among LGBTQIA+ people and their allies. The association also provides resources and support to LGBTQIA+ businesses in the region, helping them to grow and thrive.

The Rainbow Village will be active from 8 to 20 May.

The Pride Village is open on Saturday 18 May from noon to 6 PM only and is an area in which you can find a variety of organisations. Whether private or public, these organisations aim to play an informative and preventive role, working together with the LGBTQIA+ community.

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