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Milano Pride
2024
2022
photos from 2013 to 2016
Milano Pride
It all began in 1969, with the “Stonewall riots” in the United States, when thousands of young people took to the streets, tired of hiding their sexual orientation. One year later, the first Gay Pride in history was organized.
Every year in June, as summer arrives, Milano Pride fills the streets of the city with color. It’s a celebration of freedom, open to everyone, that speaks of inclusivity, rights, and self-determination.
On June 23, 2001, the first Pride parade organized in Milan took place. Milano Pride is now one of the largest gay and lesbian organized events in Italy . On the occasion of Pride month, some piazzas in Milano come alive with an extensive program of events that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture through art, dance, cinema and theatre.
In Porta Venezia, the rainbow flag welcomes you all year round, starting right from the metro station, and it was in this neighborhood that the first celebrations used to take place.
From the first event I photographed in 2013 to today, the city of Milan has seen increasing involvement from the population each year in this event, where the number of participants has now become so large that it brings the entire city to a standstill. In 2018, the Milano Pride attracted around 250,000 people and began its upward trend in attendance. After COVID, Milano Pride returned to the streets in 2021 with a static demonstration at the Arco della Pace, and in 2022, when Milano Pride resumed its original format, it’s estimated that 300,000 people marched — a figure that was confirmed again for the 2023 edition. In 2024, the number of participants exceeded that figure.
From Via Pisani, near Central Station, where the floats of participating associations and political parties are lined up, the parade moves toward Piazza Repubblica, then continues along Viale Liberazione all the way to the Arco della Pace. At the end of the parade, the Arco della Pace hosts the final event, which includes music, dancing, performances, and speeches.
Important political figures, such as the Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala, Elly Schlein, and Alessandro Zan, as well as artists and entertainers like Ricchi e Poveri, BigMama, and Elodie, take part in Pride every year—giving speeches from the stage and the floats, or even marching alongside the participants.
The images in this gallery and the accompanying videos show the evolution of Pride in Milan, from 2013 to the present day.
Pride breaks social rules and is important for everyone because it makes us realize how conformist we are and how we often conform to social norms that have caused suffering and discrimination for many people.The LGBTQ community asks not to be discriminated against; it asks to be equal, to have the same rights. Taking part in Pride therefore means supporting those who defend their rights, those who simply ask to be accepted and recognized as equals.
Pablo Munini © Milano, June 2025
Videos on Pablo Munini Youtube channel :