You probably don’t need us to tell you that travelling abroad to enjoy Pride in a different country is not going to be easy in 2021, but with Israel’s impressive vaccine roll-out, there’s little doubt that the country will remain on the UK’s Green List. And the good news is that the Tel Aviv authorities have confirmed the return of its iconic Tel Aviv Pride Parade on 25th June, the first mega-event in the city following the pandemic.
The Tel Aviv Pride Parade will be one of the first mass parades worldwide to return in a physical, in-person format – courtesy of Israel’s high vaccination rates and lifting of restrictions following the country’s emergence from the pandemic.
Party trucks and DJs.
The famous parade marks the climax of the annual Pride Month celebrations in Tel Aviv, taking place every June since 1998 and attracting hundreds of thousands of Israelis and foreign visitors who join the citywide festivities every year.
Over 250,000 people attended the parade in 2019, recognised as one of the leading events on the global LGBTQ calendar and the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. The parade, featuring party trucks and DJs, will start at midday at Tel Aviv’s Bograshov Beach, before continuing southwards along the seafront promenade and finishing at Charles Clore Park – where a huge party overlooking the Mediterranean Sea will host performances by leading artists on two main stages.
This year, the slogan “A Community That Creates Change” will be at the centre of the Pride Month events, born of the desire to strengthen social involvement and shared activities within LGBTQ community groups and wider society.
Drag shows and parties.
There will be more than 50 Pride events taking place up and down the country. Pride month will be widely celebrated in Tel Aviv, with a host of key events ranging from drag shows and parties to tours and more. You can find a selection of other events taking place during Pride Month 2021 below:
June 15-26, 2021: Beach Parties at Hilton Beach
The Gay Beach will open on June 15, hosting 11 days of beach parties on the sandy shores of Tel Aviv’s Hilton Beach.
June 22, 2021: Wigstock 2021
The “Wigstock” drag festival will take place at Meir Garden, starring the best drag artists in Israel – including Ziona Patriot, Rama Rimming and Kay Long.
June 16-19, 2021: “Subculture” Festival – Temporary Farewell to the Tel Aviv Municipal LGBTQ Community Center
A special and moving art festival in the central hall of the municipality’s LGBTQ Community Centre in Meir Garden. The centre was established 13 years ago as the first municipal centre of its kind, dedicated solely to the LGBTQ community. In late June, the current centre will be knocked down and rebuilt at the cost of over $9 million. The public is invited to enjoy three days of diverse artwork, in partnership with the Culture Department of Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality and Mifal HaPayis (National Lottery).
Fight for equality.
Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo says, “Pride events in Tel Aviv-Yafo are a long-standing tradition, centred on a message of equality, acceptance, and human and civil rights. Tel Aviv-Yafo represents a warm home for all communities residing here, and is proud to be a groundbreaking city in its approach to the LGBTQ community and a source of international inspiration. This year, more than ever, we will celebrate together, march together, and fight together for equality.”
Sharon Bershadsky, Director of the Israel Tourist Office UK, adds “After a forced break last year due to the pandemic, the country is excited for another thrilling year of Tel Aviv Pride, with thousands of people from all over the country set to descend upon the city to celebrate. Pride Month is such an important part of the Israeli calendar. As the country starts to reopen and with Israel now on the Green List in the UK, we can’t wait to hopefully welcome back tourists as soon as possible to explore all the wonderful offerings we have for the LGBTQ community and beyond.”
For a full and regularly updated list of Tel Aviv Pride Month events, please visit: https://bit.ly/3uINrvs
Staying closer to home? Find out more about what our friends at Manchester Pride have got planned.
