It’s official. The Montréal Pride Festival’s flagship event is returning in person this summer.
Earlier today, the festival confirmed that the Pride March is back on August 15 and invited the public to assemble as of noon at Jeanne-Mance park for one of the first physical gatherings in support of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities since the start of the pandemic. From there, participants will be marching along a new route to adapt to the current health regulations in the city.
According to the press release, this year's Pride March will feature no vehicles, floats, nor contingents, and instead will be “focusing all the attention on the voices and opinions of our sexually and gender diverse communities.”
“ The first demonstration in favor of the Montréal 2SLGBTQI+ communities' rights was held in 1979, organised by the Pink Brigade and its founder John Banks with 52 marchers participating. It is therefore with great pride that we confirm not only the holding in its original march form of the most mobilizing event of the Festival but also of a unifying activity open to all that will allow the advocacy and community aspects of the festival to shine," says Jean-François Perrier, Interim Director of the Montréal Pride Festival.
In order to abide by the health rules in place, the use of masks is recommended. The press release also states that several teams will be deployed to ensure the safety of all festival goers in every respect.
Source: CNW Group/Montréal Pride Celebrations via DailyHive
This year’s route will begin on Park Avenue, continue on René-Lévesque Boulevard, turn on Atateken Street, and end in the Village on Ste. Catherine Street.
At 2:30 pm, the traditional Moment of Silence will be held in memory of those who were victims of HIV/AIDS and homophobia.
More information is available on the website.