Every year, thousands of people from all over the world gather in Sitges, a beautiful seaside town near Barcelona, to celebrate Gay Pride. This colourful and vibrant event is a manifestation of love, acceptance and pride for the LGBTQ+ community. For a week full of activities, parades and parties, Sitges becomes the epicentre of diversity and equality, providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. If you don’t want to miss it, you can get there with Shuttle2Sun‘s low-cost and eco-friendly transfers. You can travel with private transfer services and shared transfer services from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
An inclusive and vibrant event
Gay Pride in Sitges is known for its festive atmosphere and spirit of inclusion. This event is ranked as one of the top 5 Pride events in the world, according to CNN and Lonely Planet reports. For this year 2023, it is scheduled to take place from 14 to 18 June. Last year’s 2022 edition was spectacular, so this year’s edition, the 12th already, hopes to repeat its great success.
People of all sexual orientations and genders are coming together to show their support and solidarity. Both the LGBTQ+ community and their allies are coming together to celebrate the advances made in terms of rights and also to remember the importance of continuing to fight for equality around the world. If you plan to arrive at Barcelona airport, Sitges is located just 25 minutes south of the airport and is easily accessible with Shuttle2Sun.
This year they are introducing a new logo and a reinforced message under the slogan #SitgesTeAma, promoting that “No matter who you are, no matter who you love, Sitges loves you, Sitges welcomes you!”
Parades and demonstrations
The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the parade through the streets of the town. Music, dance and themed floats make the parade an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike. In addition, peaceful demonstrations and inspirational speeches are organised to raise awareness and promote equality. This parade attracts people from around the Catalan coast such as Costa Dorada, Costa Brava and the surroundings of Barcelona who do not want to miss the opportunity to live this experience.
The Pride Parade is scheduled for Sunday 18 June, where thousands of people, dressed in colourful costumes and rainbow flags, march together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy. The parade starts from outside the Kansas Restaurant and will run along the promenade, turning at La Fragata Church and returning to finish at the Gay Village/Hotel Calipolis, at the intersection of Avenida Sofia and Paseo Maritimo. Watching the parade is completely free and you will be able to join the participants in the Sunday Gay Tea Dance.
Gay Tea Dance After Party
The After Party will take place on Sunday 18th June from 17:00h at the Gay Village, located on Paseo Marítimo. Remember that entry is completely free, but you can buy a VIP pass to enjoy amazing views of the shows, a welcome drink and an exclusive VIP bar with direct access so you can avoid queues.
Cultural and social activities
Gay Pride in Sitges is not only about parades and parties, but also has a wide range of cultural and social activities. Conferences, film screenings, art exhibitions and concerts are just some of the options available for those who wish to enjoy a diverse and enriching programme. These activities seek to educate and foster understanding and tolerance in society.
Sitges has earned a reputation as a safe and friendly destination for the LGBTQ+ community. Local businesses, such as bars, restaurants and hotels, join in the Gay Pride celebration and offer special promotions and themed events to welcome visitors. This atmosphere of acceptance and respect makes Sitges a meeting place and haven for people of all sexual orientations.
What to visit in Sitges
Apart from enjoying this great event, you can complete your stay visiting and discovering the town of Sitges. If you plan to arrive in Catalonia through the AVE Camp de Tarragona train station or the Reus airport, you can get to Sitges in just 45 minutes with Shuttle2Sun.
For architecture lovers, you can visit the churches of San Bartolomé and Santa Tecla, located in the city centre, a magnificent example of Catalan Gothic architecture. You can also visit the Hermitage of San Sebastian, which offers stunning panoramic views of Sitges from its bell tower.
Costa Dorada, Costa Brava and the town of Barcelona are regions known for their large and beautiful beaches, and Sitges is no exception. You can enjoy the sun and relax on San Sebastian beach or La Ribera beach, both located in the town centre. There are also quieter beaches, such as Balmins beach and Terramar beach, which are popular with nudists. You can also enjoy other conventional beaches such as La Ribera and La Fragata.
After spending the morning at the beach, you can explore Sitges’ charming old town, with its narrow cobbled streets lined with boutique shops, cafés and restaurants. Stroll around the Town Hall Square and admire the local architecture, which combines modernist and Mediterranean elements. There are also some popular museums such as El Museu Cau Ferrat, once the workshop of the famous modernist artist Santiago Rusiñol and El Museu Maricel, which houses a large collection of medieval and modern art.
The town is surrounded by the Garraf Natural Park, having hiking trails and stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline, as well as opportunities for cycling and climbing. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet and fresh air, we recommend a visit to this natural park to surround yourself with nature.
Are you planning to attend Gay Pride in Sitges? If you do, remember that Shuttle2Sun provides private transfer services and shared transfer services so you can enjoy the event. You can travel from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
