After last year’s massive success when Malta hosted EuroPride 2023, many are looking forward to what this year’s Malta Pride Week will bring, as it marks 20 years since the first Pride celebration in Malta.
Kicking off tomorrow, the events running over the course of the next week are various – several parties for the social butterflies, informative talks, and even quizzes for the brainy ones out there!
Here’s a rundown of all the Pride-related events happening - if you plan on attending, make sure to book ahead as they're notoriously popular!
Friday 6th September
Exhibition: The First Walk Under the Rainbow
Location: Malta Postal Museum & Arts Hub, Valletta
Commemorating the milestone of 20 years of Pride in Malta, this exhibition will run for the entirety of Pride Week.
Malta Pride Opening Press Launch
Location: Maori, Valletta
Saturday 7th September
Gozo Pride March
Location: Outside Arkadia, Gozo
Celebrating 20 years of Pride in the Maltese Islands, attendees will march along Victoria's main road in a celebration of love, diversity, and equality.
Gozo Pride Village
Location: Villa Rundle Gardens, Gozo
The gardens will be filled with stalls by NGOs and local artisans, setting the atmosphere for the Pride March with a performance by Olivia Lilith at the end.
Checkpoint Community Testing Session
Location: Villa Rundle Gardens, Gozo
Walk-in confidential community-led HIV testing, free of charge.
Gozo Pride Afterparty
Location: La Grotta, Gozo
Sunday 8th September
Reading with Olivia Lilith
Location: Valletta
In this family friendly event, the Malta-based drag artist Olivia Lilith will be doing a special reading of 'Lajla' by local author Lara Calleja and 'All You Need is Love' by Shanni Williams. Exact location will be shared with attendees a few days before the event.
Monday 9th September
Let's Talk About Sex
Location: Valletta Design Cluster
An open community discussion about sex, in a safe environment to share and explore diverse perspectives and experiences.
Community Discussion: LGBTIQ+ Active Ageing
Location: Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector - Volunteer Centre, Valletta
A community discussion that focuses on the unique experiences of the aging LGBTIQ+ community.
The Image of Pride
Location: MCAST, Paola
A two-hour workshop on Image Theatre, where attendees will be invited to use their bodies to unpack and express what pride means to the local contemporary community.
Tuesday 10th September
Kwir Olimpiks
Location: St Martin's College, Swatar
An all-ability inclusive event for fun competition, featuring a drag relay race and a three-legged race!
We Are Positive - Social Meet Up and Peer Support
Location: Contact [email protected] for details
A social gathering for people living with HIV in Malta to discuss their experiences of living with HIV in a supportive environment.
Wednesday 11th September
Womenspace
Location: Tigulio, St Julians
A music and arts festival exclusively for women, trans feminine and non-binary persons featuring singers, dancers, performative arts as well as stands with various arts and crafts by local artists.
Out@Work Conference
Location: General Workers Union premises, Valletta
A half-day conference focused on promoting LGBTIQ+ inclusivity in the workplace.
Thursday 12th September
Femifest: Queer Edition 2.0
Location: Tigne Rocky Beach, Sliema
An evening on the beach for women, non-binary and trans persons including a bracelet-making session, workshop and a community discussion.
Checkpoint Community Testing Session
Location: Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector - Volunteer Centre, Valletta
Confidential community-led HIV testing, free of charge - booking required.
LGBTIQ+ Conference - Connecting Communities
Location: Hilton, St Julian's
Drag Bingo and Eurovision Night
Location: Mercury towers, St Julian's
A night of friendly competition and entertainment hosted by Olivia Lilith and Angie Laus.
Friday 13th September
Quiz Night - Queer Quips
Location: The Hoppy Hare Pub, Mosta
A horror-themed quiz night where creepy costumes are encouraged!
Regina Drag by Bally's & Coco Bordell
Location: Uno Mainroom, Ta' Qali
The ultimate Drag Queen & King celebration where contestants will compete to take home the crowns!
Liquid Spirits
Location: La Grotta, Gozo
A party in one of the islands' most picturesque clubs
Malta Pride Info Point
Location: Triton Fountain, Valletta
The place to go for anyone who would like some information and hype for Saturday's Pride march.
Peach Pride
Location: Numero Uno, Ta' Qali
An all-female party at one of Malta's most iconic clubs.
‘Breaking the Silence’ Book Launch/Discussion
Location: Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector - Volunteer Centre, Valletta
The author of the book will be present for a discussion, Q&A session and book signing.
Saturday 14th September
Safe space before the March
Location: Moviment Graffitti premises, Valletta
Moviment Graffitti offer anyone a quiet space for a talk and drink before the weekend's main event.
Malta Pride March
Location: Starting at the Triton Fountain, Valletta
The main event of this year's Pride week!
Malta Pride Main Concert
Location: St George's Square, Valletta
A night of performances by top artists including Avenue Sky, Clintess, Patricia Tibwi, ERBA and Claudia Faniello, hosted by Olivia Lilith and Angie Laus.
Malta Pride Village
Location: St George's Square, Valletta
An area dedicated to bringing together NGOs and companies in support of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Checkpoint Community Testing Session
Location: St George's Square, Valletta
Confidential community-led HIV testing, free of charge - no booking required.
Love Hearts by NERVE
Location: Gianpula, Zebbug
Malta Pride's official afterparty!
Sunday 15th September
Lollipop
Location: Cabo Terrace, Birzebbugia
Malta Pride's official closing party!
Queer Classics
Location: Maori, Valletta
Featuring a performance of local drag icons Mimi & Tabu, this event will be showcasing digitised drag performances dating back to the 80s.
Which of these events will you be attending?