Saturday, November 2, 2013

The Happiest Party of the Year... In Paris

The Gay Pride Parade (Marche des Fiertes LGBT) in Paris takes place in late June & attracts nearly a million visitors a year. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity of going while I was there & I can easily say I have never partied as hard in my life as I did on that day/night. The crowds start gathering in the morning & the parade walk itself lasts about 3-4 hours, starting at the Montparnesse-Bienvenue metro stop & eventually finishing at Place de la Bastille. Of course, we did the entire walk. We finished with drinks 'till sunrise in the Marais district & damn, can I just say that never in my life have I met as many down to earth, incredible people as I did during the entire experience. 

(Not mine)

Straights, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transexuals, you name it are there supporting the event & I have to say it's probably the best possible way to promote awareness to a cause, well, ever. Numerous clubs, hotels, pubs & restaurants hold events during Gay Pride, which typically lasts a couple weeks. If you are in the Paris area this upcoming June/early July I highly suggest taking a look at some of the promotions being held! Also, I have to say the walk itself is a great way of seeing Paris by foot, making it's way down Boulevard du Montparnasse, onto Boulevard St-Michel, Boulevard St-Germain & finally across the Seine at Pont de Sully. Some of my favourite photos from the day... (Unfortunately by night I was focusing more on the fun at hand than the photos!)





Can we just take a moment to enjoy the beauty of this photo?







Same-sex marriage became legal in France as of May 2013 & is the 13th country worldwide to make the move. I have to say I'm very proud to be Canadian, it being the 4th country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005 & the first country outside of Europe to do so! Currently, same-sex marriage is legal in 15 countries, with a law just being passed in the United Kingdom, expecting to be in full force come 2014... & finally, because I couldn't not add this photo to this post!


Have any of you been to a Gay Pride festival?! Or have plans on going to one? Maybe I'll do a post on Toronto's as well... I'd love to hear about other cities & if they're as inspiring as Paris! Also the official site is Gay Pride, though just a heads up this site is in French, easily translatable with a toolbar of some sort I'm sure.
xxx

10 comments:

  1. I went to the gay pride parade in Vancouver every year...now THAT is a party, it sounds like the Paris one!! Massive parade, sunset booze cruise, packed clubs and crazy afterhours parties... love it!

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    1. Oooh I'd love to go to Vancouver's! Yesss to all of that!! I wish there were parties like that all year round. x

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  2. I'm diggin' the guy in the head dress! :o) And that poster at the top...hilarious!

    We arrived in Amsterdam only a week after Gay Pride week. I hate we missed it because I hear the city puts on one hell of a party for it. {Actually, they probably party pretty well any day of the year in Amsterdam...}

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    1. I know right?! My favourite photo possibly ever :)
      Ahhh that would've been INSANE! I can't even imagine Amsterdam's... & yes I imagine they do ;) x

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  3. When I think about it, it's just so so goofy that legalizing same sex marriage is even an issue. As if a government (a government!) can tell people who they can and can't marry. Just so silly.
    This looks like a freaking ball!!! I've never been to a pride parade but have always wanted to…

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    1. It is right?! Honestly, ever since I can remember it's been legal in Canada so sometimes I even find it odd or forget that it's not legal elsewhere.
      Definitely make a trip to one! :) It's an experience I'll never forget for sure. x

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  4. Gay Pride in Brighton is awesome!!! Totally check it our if you've ever the chance. Sounds as good as Paris here but on the beach ;)

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    1. Ahh, Brighton would be amazing I can't even imagine! I definitely will :) x

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  5. I have yet to experience a pride parade, unfortunately. Houston, my hometown, does it so big but I am always gone during it. Paris sounds like such an adventure!

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    1. Houston would be awesome! I think any pride parade in the world would be to be honest though! x

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