Pride Break...

Is Barcelona on your list? Why I think it should be...

Pride Events and Festivals are held all across the world as a sign of the struggles the community has faced, as a sign of remembrance and a celebration of those brave men and ladies who died during the communities darkest of times. Even in 2024 the fight for freedom in many countries and cities around the world for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities continues. Stronger than ever.

If you’re lucky enough to attend any Pride event you will know how colourful and inclusive it is and what a spectacle of sights and sounds these events really have become over the years.

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities to visit and it annually hosts one of the best Pride events on the global Pride Calendar. Barcelona Pride in 2024 is June 28- July 21. Annually Barcelona Pride brings thousands of LGBTQ supporters from all across the world to enjoy the stunning cities Sun, Beaches and events. Pride Barcelona is a full host of events from live music concerts, Dance, Sport, Exhibitions, and Beach Circuit Party events to name but a few.

Barcelona, even when Pride is not on, is a very popular city break for our community because of the nature of the cities people and vast array of Gay Bars, Clubs, Saunas, Hotels and events. For me this city has it all with an amazing mix of culture , entertainment and for a city break it’s on the coast so you can also have beach days and because it’s Spain you will almost always be guaranteed to be bathed in the hot Spanish sun. Barcelona will always hold a special place in my heart also as this is the spot where I got engaged a good few years in a hotel down one of the cities many alleys.

Spain as a country hosts some of the best annual Pride celebrations on the planet from Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas Pride Summer & Winter Prides , Benidorm Pride, Ibiza Pride, and even Madrid Pride to name but a few. So as you can see if you like a bit of Spain and Rainbow in your life then Spain will keep tugging at your heart and purse strings but in my opinion if you then why the hell not go and enjoy them all.

Historically Spain decriminalised homosexuality back in 1979 with its LGBTQ+ community still being committed to its roots which include continuing to fight for freedom, dignity, respect and acceptance of the communities rights.

Generally as Prides are a huge event they will always upload a calendar of events for the festival and Barcelona Pride is no different. I think these guides are fantastic as it’s always a good idea to plan ahead because some of the key main events can be heavily attended. It’s also handy for packing if you plan to attend some of the more fetish events or White parties etc.

It’s not all parades and carnival though Prides can really take it out of you and lucky for you that Barcelona has to be one of the Best cities in the world to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. So if you need some time out from Pride life then add in a chill day or visit some for the cities international visitor attractions or like me head to the beach and relax in the sun and soak up the male not so clothed men and have a cool cocktail or too.

Getting to Barcelona from the UK & Ireland can be pretty cheap due to the numerous flight options on low cost airlines and scheduled flight services. I have used Aer Lingus and Ryanair on services from Belfast or Dublin numerous times without any issues. El Prat Barcelona is pretty easy to get in an around and pre bookable airport transfers are very easy to find and reasonable. You may already be on holiday on the Costa or even on a package holiday and I am delighted to advise that Spain’s train and bus connections to the city are very frequent and affordable. So if you had not thought about attending Barcelona Pride as you didn’t think your resort was close to the action then please think again. I promise you attending will be one of the key highlights of your package holiday.

As always hotel accommodation is abundant but I always aim to stay in either Gay owned/managed properties and in Barcelona always enjoy the Axel Hotel One and Two. Both properties are very different with one being more traditional and gothic on the outside but fully bright and modern inside whereas Axel Two is a much more modern building offering a sophisticated upmarket feel. Both of these hotels often have party events of their own including small pool parties. Don’t worry if you don’t have the budget for this chain though as the city has ultra budget accommodation options as well as hostels too or you can always try a Gay share with some of the City Ambassadors who often host on gay Apps like Grinder or Scruff.

You will find the local community really does come together during Pride month and will host one off city historical tours including live talks by some of its most important key figures from the community. Spanish brands really do embrace Pride and you will notice many businesses supporting Pride from offering donations from purchasing certain products or services from them or by them highlighting they are Key sponsors of Barcelona Pride. I feel Barcelona really does shine brightly during its annual Pride events and brings to life one of Europe’s best loved Gay friendly cities showcasing its people during the parades and parties.

You will of course find many things put on specifically just for pride such as transfers to events, Boat Trips, Night Tours, Discounts for Gay Venues, bars, Clubs, restaurants , saunas and even cafes. I know many people don’t really pay attention to these but don’t overlook these because you can save a lot on both transport, ticket prices and also meals or drinks. Pride Barcelona does this to help you have a safer overall more enjoyable time.

As always LGBTQ nightlife offers you many things from intimate small bars to large nightclubs for you to dance your little shorts or less on. I have enjoyed times in Boys Bar BCN which has an international feel, good drinks price and promotions as well as a dark room for those who like to engage in such things. Bacon Bear Bar has to be one of my all time favourites during stays in Barcelona mainly down to the staff and the good old fashioned Bear camp-ness that can walk in the door. I even have a BBB black T Shirt from my most recent visit. Lastly I am not a huge nightclub fan but you have numerous Gay only or Gay friendly options but my all time favourite is Bananas Party because the mix of Drag dance and brilliant staff always makes your night that little bit better not to mention the atmosphere. Of course during Pride season everything gets busy so be prepared to move around or spend more time in one venue than you usually would.

I must finally give a special mention to Trash which was a late Barcelona discovery for me but one which is indeed the cities largest FETISH Club. This place has it all from Cabins, Showers, Fetish rooms and well its dress to impress but Birthday suit is best if you get me

Well however or whenever you travel to Barcelona I know from the minute you land it will have been a fabulous choice of break and you will have memories of a lifetime to cherish or like me relive as much as you can when you can.

Happy travels everyone and Happy Pride 2024 wherever you might be this year.

By Gavyn Andrews