Tomorrow, Saturday, 14 June 2025, the Rainbow Parade will march for the 29th time against the direction of traffic along Vienna’s Ringstrasse. But this year, much is different. The terrible events in Graz have shaken us deeply. Our sympathy and grief go out to the victims, their families, and friends.
The first day of Pride Village was entirely dedicated to remembrance: in quiet dignity, without musical program, we collectively honored the victims – accompanied by a sea of lights and solidarity. It was a quiet, sorrowful, yet at the same time powerful evening, carried by our community.
On Friday and Saturday, the events in Pride Village will take place as planned – with carefully adjusted programming that respectfully incorporates the tragedy of Graz, without abandoning our stance: We stand together – against hate, for visibility and solidarity.
That is precisely why the parade will take place.
Because the Rainbow Parade is not just a celebration. It has always been a demonstration – against hate, against violence, against exclusion. In times like these, it is more important than ever not to fall silent. Our community knows this silence – from the years of HIV/AIDS, from violence, from the still dramatically high suicide attempt rate among young queer people. And it knows how loud and powerful resistance must be.
Even after Graz, one thing is clear: We will not give hate a stage. We will remain visible. After every attack on our community, and now also after Graz, we show: We stand together. Colorful. Loud. And full of love.
But before it becomes loud, it will be silent.
In remembrance of the victims, the parade will begin in silence. We call on all participants to show their sympathy by proceeding quietly, without music, without cheers, as a solemn memorial march until past the Parliament. The mourning banners created over the previous two days in Pride Village will be carried at the front of the parade to the Parliament and laid down there. A black ribbon of mourning will adorn all the signs of the groups participating in the parade.
Behind the Parliament, the parade will continue – loud, colorful, proud. Because our pain does not silence us. Our joy in life is not the opposite of grief – it is part of our resistance.
Our motto this year, “Unite in Pride,” has taken on an even deeper meaning in these days: We must not let ourselves be divided. The Rainbow Parade is our statement: For human rights. For unity. For life.
Inquiries & Contact
Vienna Pride
Phone: +43 677 634 040 41
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.viennapride.at