YAS, baby! After entering the final stages, Malta was officially chosen to host EuroPride in 2023 over the weekend. The islands were competing against Rotterdam and Belfast for the top spot - and we got it!. This is fabulous news, as Malta has also occupied first place on ILGA Europe’s Rainbow Map for five consecutive years, scoring 89 per cent this year.

“Congratulations to Malta Pride for their victory, and for a bid that highlighted diversity and human rights and focused on refugees, migrants and other intersections within the LGBTI+ community. I look forward to visiting Malta for EuroPride in three years’ time!” President of the European Pride Organisers Association, Kristine Garina said in a statement.

And obviously, the moment they found out they won was a joyous one! “This was our reaction after finishing presenting our Bid to host EuroPride 2023 on Saturday 3rd October. A huge mix of emotions were running through us and a big sigh of relief that technology did not work against us,” Malta Pride shared yesterday, captioning a video of their reaction to receiving the news. “We were meant to be in Oslo, Norway to present this in front of the other European Pride members but Miss Rona had other plans for us.”

“The bid was presented during the European Pride Organisers Association EPOA AGM 2020 online and voted by other European Pride Members. We are deeply grateful and humbled by the show of support. We will work tirelessly with all stakeholders to deliver an experience of love & growth for our LGBTIQ+ community & Allies in Malta and beyond our shores like no other,” Malta Pride shared on Facebook.

The central theme of EuroPride Valletta 2023 is #EqualityFromTheHeart and will offer a 10-day programme including a number of activities such as a Human Rights-themed conference, Queer Arts & Culture Festival, a Pride Village, Community Building and Networking, social gatherings, and of course, “the largest celebration of diversity and love Malta has ever seen.” 2023 can’t come sooner!

Watch Malta Pride’s pitch video here: