Greece has attracted its fair share of unfortunate headlines in recent years.

But some good news has arrived in the form of its latest instalment of Athens Pride.

The annual LGBTI party returned with a bang to the Greek capital last weekend, attacting a record number of partygoers – over 32,000 (up 12,000 from last year).

Following a day of sizzling temperatures on Saturday 13 June, the city celebrated all things LGBTI for the 11th time, with revellers jetting in from around the world.

Following news that the Greek government had proposed a civil partnerships bill for same-sex couples days earlier, the mood at the festival was clearly upbeat.

For more information on the bumpy journey regards civil partnerships and gay marriage in Greece, read GSN’s report here.

However, the colourful parade, which traveled all over the city, was blighted by a large number of religiously-motivated protestors.

The group staged their own march – as Ave Maria pumped out of a soundsystem – immediately after the main procession had exited Klafthmonos Square, where the main Pride action took place.

Nevertheless, nothing could undermine the hard work of the all-volunteer, non-profit group of Pride organizers.

The day itself was sponsored by the likes of Shark Energy Drink, Stoli vodka and Jose Cuervo tequila, with rousing performances on the Main Stage came courtesy of Dival, Demy, Polina and more. Other fun activities included a flash mob and a Zumba class.

Underlining a politically charged event, Regional Governor of Attica Rena Dourou – who organizers credited with helping Pride happen in its size and scope – told Gay Star News: ‘There are so many things to be done.’

‘The next five years that I’m going to be the Governor of Attica – up until the next election – we won’t stop.’

‘We have one day a year of shouting that we are proud [of our LGBTI citizens], but unfortunately the majority of the other days of the year we’re not proud at all. We have a lot of things to do for human rights, against any type of discrimination.’

The Governor, herself in a civil union, called the aforementioned bill ‘a step forward, […] and very important’ before unerlining the importance of the country’s wider fight against the crisis of democracy in Greece.

GSN was hosted at Athens Pride by HOMO EVOLUTION. We stayed at the Hilton Athens, sponsored by ProudBooking.com.

GSN flew to Athens with Aegean Airlines.

Here, we re-live some of Pride Athens 2015’s best moments…

32,000 people attended this year’s Athens Pride…



Including Regional Governor of Attica Rena Dourou, who chatted to Gay Star News.

The parade, which featured a giant rainbow flag carried through Athens, was marred by protestors.

The party is officially launched in Klafthmonos Square…

…which was later carpeted in confetti.

The parade walks the length of Panepistimiou Street…

…as twilight fell upon this beautiful city of 665,000.

Partygoers then returned to the Square for the night’s performances…

…which stretched on long past midnight.

Pride season has officially begun! We love you Athens, here’s to next year!





www.athenspride.eu; www.proudbooking.com; www.homoevolution.com; www.aegeanair.com