Thousands Participate in Pride March in Central Riga

The march started at 1 PM from Esplanāde and proceeded along Kalpaka Boulevard, Krišjānis Valdemārs Street, Stabu Street, and Brīvības Street. At the front was Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs (P). Participants were accompanied by music from DJs, and on Brīvības Street they sang Līgo songs and folk songs.

Numerous rainbow flags were carried, including a flag dozens of meters long, along with other LGBTQ+ community flags. Participants held signs with slogans such as "Become visible!", "We are, we will be!", "Trans and non-binary children deserve a future", "For same-sex marriage!", and others. Representatives from companies and organizations also took part, including "Caffeine", "Circle K Latvija", the party "Progresīvie", and the association "Krievu balss Latvijai".

A group carrying Palestinian and Israeli flags was present, chanting "Queers for Palestine!" The event was accompanied by protesters holding signs with religious messages like "Sin will destroy you" and "For traditional families." Many pride participants took photos with the protesters.

Traffic was closed along the route, and order was maintained by the State Police and Riga Municipal Police. The march concluded around 2 PM at Esplanāde, where the "Riga Pride" final event took place, featuring performances by the Queer Choir, Niklāss, the Queer Folklore Group, Legzdiņa, Justs and Krisy, Zelma and Emīlija.

The "Riga Pride" program has been running since June 1, and for the second week, the Pride House at Kaņepes Culture Center has been offering concerts, discussions, and other events. Organizers note that the 20th Riga Pride has become a significant civic society and human rights event.