Today, tomorrow and Saturday Charleroi in the province of Hainaut hosts the Fête de l’Amour, the Festival of Love, aka Charleroi Pride or Pride Carolo. It’s the fifth edition of the Festival of Love and the third edition with a pride parade on Saturday. 

In a context marked by people not “withdrawing into oneself”, this edition aims to offer greater visibility to the LGBTQIA+ community and to remind that, in the largest city in Wallonia, everyone is free to love and be themselves.

Organized by the non-profit organization Charleroi Centre-Ville in collaboration with Tels Quels, the Maison Arc-en-Ciel (Rainbow House), and the Service Égalité des Chances de Charleroi (Equal Opportunities in Charleroi), this event combines celebration and advocacy, attracting diverse audiences.

This year, the Fête de l’Amour is integrated into the Quartier d’Été to reach a wider audience. The fight for equality remains relevant.

An inclusive event

Initiated by the alderman for Festivities and the alderman for Equal Opportunities, in partnership with the Maison Arc-en-Ciel de Charleroi and Tels Quel A.S.B.L, and supported by local entities such as Quai 10, Vecteur, the Network of Libraries, Livre ou Verre, Boys, Novotel, the Youth Hostel and Colors.

The Festival of Love extends over three days, culminating on Saturday on the Place de la Digue.

Discriminatory acts are still too present. This 5th Charleroi Pride must be both festive and unifying, reminding that Charleroi is an LGBTQIA+ friendly city with zero tolerance for discrimination, Alicia Monar (PS), Alderman for Equal Opportunities, says.

Strengthening the LGBTQIA+ presence in Charleroi

Strengthening the presence of representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community in cultural and public places is essential to combat discrimination. This 5th edition will invest in emblematic places such as Quai 10, Vecteur and Livre ou Verre.

“It shows that Charleroi is an inclusive city and allows small LGBTQIA+ associations to make themselves known, while spreading a message of tolerance”, Valentine Degosserie, head of the Maison Arc-en-Ciel in Charleroi, insists, on the importance of this pride.

Thursday 1 August 2024

• 5.30 PM to 10 PM: ‘Care must go on‘ cabaret evening at Vecteur, with queer performances, information stands and discussions on the health of LGBTQIA+ communities.

Friday 2 August 2024

• 5 PM to 6.30 PM: ‘And what about love in all that?‘ at Livre ou Verre, a friendly moment with LGBTQIA+ books.
• 8 PM: Screening of ‘The Summer with Carmen‘ at Quai 10, a film about relationships and personal challenges.

Saturday 3 August

• 1 PM to 6 PM: Festivities on Place de la Digue with an associative village, activities for children, and photo spots.
• 1 PM to 3 PM: Sign workshop for the pride march.
• 1.30 PM to 3 PM: Humorous weddings with a Dolly Parton impersonator.
• 3 PM to 4 PM: Pride march.
• 4 PM to 5 PM: Dance entertainment with YES WE DANCE!.
• 5.30 PM to 7 PM.: Drag show with local stars.
• 7 PM: Pride evening at Quartier d’Été, followed by an after-party at Boys.

Associations present

Various associations will be present, such as the Ener’J Center, Collectif Contraception, La Bulle, Cepag, Le Refuge Arc-en-Ciel (Relogeas/​Point jaune), Le Chemin de la Renaissance, Maison Arc-en-Ciel, Prismes, Infor Famille, City of Charleroi — Equal Opportunities Service & Network of Municipal Libraries, Tels Quel, Le CHECK (Charleroi Student Homosexual Circle), Face à Toi-Même, Antwerp Pride vzw and Ex-Aequo to inform and raise awareness among the public.

A wider audience

With a growing reputation, the Fête de l’Amour now attracts an audience from all over Belgium, from cities such as Antwerp, Liège, Brussels, and Mons. 

The latest on prides in Belgium

• Antwerp Pride 2024 programme highlights.
• Antwerp Queer Arts Festival from 3 to 31 August 2024: programme.
• Liège Pride 2024 programme and introduction.
• Darklands 2025 from Tuesday 25 February until Monday 3 March.
• Limburg Pride 2025 to be hosted by Hasselt on Sunday 13 July.
• Brussels Pride 2024 programme starts on Wednesday 8 May with Pride Opening at Molenbeek and a Pride Week.
• Darklands 2025 theme: ‘Darklands Glows’, stays at Waagnatie until 2030.
• Queer March Ghent 2024 on Saturday 30 March at Viernulvier.
• PROGRAMME | Queer Arts Festival Leuven 2023 from 3 to 25 November.