Pride March 'Road to Freedom' Takes Place in Central Riga

On Saturday, June 14, a Pride march named 'Road to Freedom' took place in central Riga, organized by 'Riga Pride'. According to the organization's co-chair Kaspars Zālītis, participants began gathering at Esplanade at noon. The march started at 1 PM and proceeded along Kronvalda Boulevard, Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street, Stabu Street, and Brīvības Street, returning to Esplanade.

At the closing event on Esplanade, several artists and groups performed, including the Queer Choir, Niklāss, the Queer Folklore Group, Legzdiņa, Justs and Krisy, and Zelma and Emīlija. The event combined music, folklore, and stage arts.

The 'Riga Pride' program has been running since June 1. For the second week, the Pride House at Kaņepes Culture Center has been operating as a cultural and discussion space featuring concerts, debates, and other activities. The program will continue through the weekend.

Organizers emphasize that the 20th Riga Pride has become a significant civic society and human rights event in Latvia, as well as a platform for highlighting issues of respect, equality, and belonging.

Temporary traffic restrictions were in place during the march. Organizers urge residents and city visitors to account for route changes and plan accordingly.