Rio Gay Pride 2021

A pride parade that sizzles in September – Rio!

Though it may seem like Rio celebrates pride year round, the official Gay Pride Festival (Parada Do Orgulho LGBTI+ Em Copacabana) is held between September and November on Copacabana Beach. (the dates have moved over the past few years to early September).

The highlight of the festival is the Gay Pride March. The parade is 1,3 miles long (2,1 kms.) and it’s all along the Copacabana Beach. So, take the opportunity to get a tan while partying. Thousands of people attend—most of them half-naked—and the festivities also include shows by drag queens and DJs.

The meeting point is at the Posto 6 which is located near the Forte de Copacabana, or if your not familiar with it, close to the Rio Sofitel Hotel. It’s right in the confluence of Ipanema and Copacabana. The parade will take place at the Avenida Atlantica along Copacabana Beach and will end at Posto 2, in the proximities of the famed Copacabana Palace Hotel. Even though the meeting point is at 1 PM, the parade doesn’t start to move before 2 or 3 PM. Over 20 trio eletricos take to the streets. They provide the music and the voice of the event. Representing NGOs, unions, the government itself, the floats are of all kinds.

TIP: Don’t miss the warm-up. Get there as early as you can. Have fun with the many shows put on by DJ’s, Drag Queens and their carnival-like outfits, music concerts and much more.Arrive early and enjoy the beach while warming up.

On Farme de Amoedo Street in Ipanema, the fabulous party doesn’t stop ‘til the next day. That’s not even mentioning the fact that after the march, there are parties all over town.

Different neighborhoods of Rio also have their own (smaller) gay pride parades. The more suburban replica of the event in the North Rio neighborhood of Madureira is a good alternative to the main celebration in Copacabana. The slightly more relaxed atmosphere is perfect to further immerse yourself with the local flavor through music and dancing (OK … twerking) in the streets. After the march, the neighborhood club Papa G’s party spills out into the street, inviting everyone to join the Pride celebrations.

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Hotel Fasano,    Rio Othon Palace,    Orla Copacabana Hotel,    Arena Ipanema Hotel.