Montreal's Gay Pride Parade -- Défilé de la fierté gai in French -- is fun, flamboyant, and everyone is invited to a LGBTA tradition going strong since it was rooted in 1979, when a group of 200 people commemorated New York City's 1969 Stonewall Riots with "Gairilla," a precursor to Montreal's gay pride parade celebrations. A show of the community's solidarity, strength and demand for the same respect, dignity and basic rights granted to heterosexuals, find out how the parade evolved over the years by consulting the Montreal Pride Celebrations website.
Pride Montreal Parade: When
The parade is generally held every mid-August. The 2009 Montréal LGBTA Parade is being held Sunday, August 16, starting at 1 p.m. at the corner of De Lorimier and René-Lévesque, moving west on René-Lévesque. Expect the parade to last two to three hours.
Pride Montreal Parade: Where
In 2009, the parade starts at the corner of De Lorimier and René-Lévesque, proceeding west along René-Lévesque. Reaching the corner of St. Hubert, the parade will then turn right, heading north on St. Hubert until it reaches Place Émilie-Gamelin where festivities will continue with an outdoor dance event. Here's a map of the Montreal Gay Pride Parade route.
Is the Parade Suitable for Kids?
Some parents might find some of the floats a little too wild for children, others may feel the parade is no big deal. Here's some footage of a prior Pride Montreal parade to help you decide for yourself.
