Malta bids to host Europe's largest gay pride event in 2023

Malta has made the shortlist to host Europe’s largest annual celebration of LGBTIQ+ pride in three years’ time.The country’s bid to host EuroPride 2023 will compete against rival bids from Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Belfast in Northern Ireland. EuroPride is Europe’s most significant LGBTIQ+ event, drawing thousands of participants and viewers every year. The yearly event features a range of sports, art and human rights events which culminate with a Mardi Gras-style parade. It has been held in a different city every year ever since its inception in 1992. 

Malta’s bid is to host a Pride week between September 7 and 17 of 2023 in Valletta and nearby towns. Proposed events include a queer arts and culture festiva, a human rights conference, an interfaith dialogue, pride village and conference discussing LGBTIQ at work.The European Pride Organisers Association – which licences EuroPride – published the three bids on Friday. Malta’s bid was submitted by Allied Rainbow Communities, a local NGO. 

A winner will be announced on October 3, following a secret vote among European Pride members. 

Malta consistently ranks as one of the most LGBTIQ-friendly countries in the world to live...