From small beginnings in 1990, Cologne's Christopher Street Day (CSD) has grown to become one of the city's largest events and one of Germany's biggest Pride events. Now called ColognePride, it takes up not only the traditional CSD weekend but a whole fortnight, with a variety of events at different venues throughout the city. n recent years 450,000 people have enjoyed appearances by musicians and other performers at the Pride Village street festival, while 750,000 have turned out to watch parades attracting 40,000 participants. The Pride Village fills Roncalliplatz, Heumarkt, Rathausvorplatz and Alter Markt, as well as the streets in-between. Among the main attractions is the dance stage, boasting top DJs from Germany and around the world. The main parade (8 July) is usually broadcast on TV as it snakes along a five-kilometre route across the Deutz bridge and over the Rhine into the city centre, with 150 trucks and many groups on foot.

As you may have gathered from these introductory notes, Cologne Pride is a huge affair, and has plenty going on. The parade is described as the highlight of the festival, up to 120 cars and countless marchers joined in over the past few years to commemorate the events of 1969 in New York’s Christopher Street. Aside from the parade, there are many more specific events going on throughout Cologne Pride. Women’s Pride has been growing over the past five years, and provides movie nights, club nights, live music, a bowls tournament, women’s history events and literature readings. Women’s Pride has grown so much, in fact, that it now attracts lesbians and their friends and supporters not only from all over Germany, but also all over Europe.

Cologne Pride places a strong emphasis on remembrance, politics and health, and for that reason, you’ll find a number of more cultural and conscious events. The AIDS Gala is set for 3rd July at the Maritim Hotel, and attracts an array of stars, supporters and well-wishers for unique performances and a fundraiser ball. Sommerfest am Liberhaus (“summerhouse alive”) on 21st June is a summer party at the House of Life, an outpatient care centre for HIV positive people. Situated in the house’s beautiful gardens, the event takes the form of an understated and pleasant garden party, with tea, coffee, cakes and sausages and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.