Reykjavik Pride celebrates 20 years this year and it’s going to be an unmissable celebration
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By Steve Brown
Back in 1999, the first Reykjavik Pride was born and attracted just a mere 1,500 guests. A year later, around 12,000 came to see the first Pride Parade.
As the world starts to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Iceland – which is frequently referred to as one of the most LGBT+ friendly countries in the world – celebrates 20 years since the first Pride event.
Although starting small, Reykjavik Pride – sometimes referred to as ‘the biggest small Pride in the world’ – is now one of the biggest festivals in Iceland attracting up to a third of the nation and hundreds of visitors from abroad every year… and this year it’s only going get bigger!
Starting on August 8, the Reykjavik Pride 2019 runs for 10 days and is set to include informative and entertaining events, culminating in the Parade and outdoor festival on August 17.
Gunnlaugur Bragi Bjornsson, president of Reykjavik Pride, said: “A truly big year to celebrate is coming up.
“A vast amount has been achieved since Reykjavík Pride was first held, and especially since Stonewall.
“So, on this occasion we’re extending the Pride celebrations in Reykjavik. This way we have the scope to offer even more educational events than before, plus bigger and better evening events like concerts, drag shows and parties.
“The aim is, as before, to appreciate successes achieved while improving the visibility of queer people and continuing the struggle, since many victories are still not won.”
