This year will mark 20 years since the first LGBTIQ+ Pride Demonstration was held in Malta back in 2004, organised by the Malta LGBTIQ+ Rights Movement (MGRM). To celebrate this milestone, Gozo will be holding its 3rd annual Pride March this Saturday at 6pm on Triq Repubblika, the main road in Victoria.

Pride celebrations will be held all day, starting at 10am at the first-ever Gozo Pride Village in Villa Rundle Gardens. A colourful gathering of LGBTQIA+ NGOs, local artisans and advocates will take place, where participants can get information about services, connect with the community, and purchase Pride merchandise in preparation for the march. The Village will close after a breathtaking performance from the Gozitan drag artist Olivia Lilith at 4:30pm.

Attendees can then proceed to the March, which will begin just outside Arkadia and make its way up the main road towards Independence Square, all the while celebrating love, diversity, and the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The celebrations won’t stop there! Following the march, an official Pride Afterparty will be held at La Grotta, boasted one of the islands’ most beautiful clubs, starting at 8pm – those that wish to attend can get their tickets from the official Malta Pride website.

While all are encouraged to celebrate this important milestone in a safe space, LGBTI+ Gozo acknowledges that Pride can also be a struggle for those who are not able to openly be themselves, and offers free counselling services to their members. Anyone wishing to get in touch can do so through the number +356 9935 6622 or email [email protected].

The entire day promises to be one dedicated to love, diversity and acceptance, and a celebration of all those who have fought for gender and sexual equality.

Will you be attending this year’s Pride celebrations?