Christopher Street Day (CSD) is an annual LGBTQIA+ celebration and demonstration held in various cities across Europe, including Cologne, Germany. The event commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when members of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City staged an uprising against police brutality and discrimination. CSD Cologne, also known as Cologne Pride, is one of the largest gay and lesbian events in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The event features a colourful programme of parades, rallies, parties, and cultural events, all advocating for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of event | Celebration, political demonstration and commemoration |
Frequency | Annual |
Purpose | To stand up for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community and against discrimination and exclusion |
History | Commemorates the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York, the first big uprising of LGBTQIA+ people against police brutality |
Dates | From 21 June to 6 July 2025 |
Location | Cologne, Germany |
Route | Traditionally starts from Deutzer Brücke, working its way through the old town to Komödienstraße |
Participants | Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and people who support equal rights and diversity |
Activities | Concerts, performances, parties, workshops, panel discussions, an open-air market |
What You'll Learn
Pride Parade
Cologne's Pride Parade is a highlight of the city's ColognePride festivities, which include hundreds of events and activities that support the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. The parade itself is a colourful, joyous, and upbeat affair, with floats, music, and dance performances. It attracts a vast crowd of people from different backgrounds, all standing up for diversity and acceptance. The parade route traditionally starts from Deutzer Brücke, winding its way through the old town to Komödienstraße.
In addition to the parade, ColognePride also features a three-day street fair with live music, political action, discussions, artistic performances, and extraordinary shows by participants from Germany and abroad. This usually takes place near the Heumarkt in downtown Cologne. The festival offers something for everyone, with an open-air market, food options, and parties throughout the event.
ColognePride is held in memory of the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York, considered the first big uprising of LGBTQIA+ people against police brutality and discrimination. The event has become a symbol of pride for the LGBTQIA+ community, providing a platform for advocacy, raising awareness, and promoting acceptance. It is a significant cultural milestone for the LGBTQIA+ movement, contributing to the visibility and acceptance of the community in society.
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Queer events
CSD, or Christopher Street Day, is an annual event celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and their pursuit of equal rights. The event takes place in Cologne, Germany, among other cities worldwide.
CSD in Cologne is a major event with a wide range of queer-centred activities. Here are some of the highlights:
CSD in Cologne offers a variety of events specifically focused on queer individuals and their rights. One notable event is the "10 Jahre Dyke* March" exhibition, commemorating the dyke marches and celebrating the queer community's progress. The exhibition is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the dyke community and their ongoing struggle for equality.
Another highlight is the "QUEER PARADISE KÖLN - CSD PRE PARTY". This official pre-party to the main CSD event is a chance for the queer community to come together, socialise, and celebrate in anticipation of the main festivities. It is an excellent opportunity to meet new people and build community.
Pride Parade
The CSD Pride Parade is one of the most prominent features of the event. It is a colourful and joyous celebration with floats, music, and dance performances. The parade attracts a vast crowd of people from all walks of life and backgrounds, coming together to support the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. The parade route traditionally starts from Deutzer Brücke, winding its way through the old town to Komödienstraße.
Concerts and Performances
CSD also features an array of concerts and performances by various artists and entertainers. These events contribute to the lively and inclusive atmosphere of the festival. There is something for everyone, with performances ranging from drag shows to musical acts and everything in between.
Workshops and Discussions
In addition to the festivities, CSD offers a more educational aspect with workshops and panel discussions. These events provide a platform for important conversations about issues surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community. They create a safe space for learning and engagement, promoting equality and acceptance on a deeper level.
Street Festival
The CSD street festival is one of the largest in Cologne and serves as the grand finale of ColognePride. It takes place around Heumarkt, Gürzenich, and Alter Markt, with numerous performances, speeches, and artistic displays. The street festival is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, embracing all identities and promoting their rights and visibility.
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Live music and performances
CSD, or Christopher Street Day, is an annual event celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and their pursuit of equal rights. It is held in memory of the Stonewall Riots, the first big uprising of LGBTQIA+ people against police brutality and discrimination, which took place in 1969 in New York.
CSD in Cologne, Germany, is one of the largest such events in Europe, with around 1.2 million guests in 2023. The event features a vast array of live music and performances, including:
Live Music
CSD in Cologne features a variety of live music performances by artists and musicians from Germany and abroad. These concerts contribute to the festival's lively and inclusive atmosphere, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Drag Shows
Drag shows are a unique and integral part of CSD in Cologne. These performances showcase the art of drag, with participants donning extravagant costumes and putting on captivating displays of self-expression and creativity.
Dance Performances
The parade, which is a highlight of the event, features colourful floats and energetic dance performances. These dances add to the joyous and celebratory spirit of CSD, with participants from diverse backgrounds coming together to move and groove.
Parties
Throughout the festival, various parties are held, providing opportunities for socialising and connection. These gatherings foster a sense of community and offer a space for people to celebrate and honour their true selves.
Cultural Events with Artists
In addition to the parades and rallies, CSD in Cologne also offers a plethora of cultural events. These events feature artists from various disciplines, such as musicians, painters, and performers, showcasing their talents and contributing to the festival's creative vibe.
The live music and performances at CSD in Cologne are an essential part of the event's appeal, attracting a diverse audience and providing a platform for self-expression, celebration, and the continued pursuit of equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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LGBTQIA+ rights
Christopher Street Day (CSD) is an annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights and diversity, held in various cities across Europe, including Cologne, Germany. CSD is a colourful and joyous event that brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate and demonstrate for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, standing up against discrimination and exclusion.
The event commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, when members of the LGBTQ+ community rose up against police brutality and discrimination, marking a significant moment in the fight for equal rights. CSD has become a symbol of pride and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, providing a platform for their voices and experiences.
CSD Cologne, also known as Cologne Pride, is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in Germany and Europe. It attracts a vast crowd of participants and spectators from across the world, with around 1.2 million guests in 2023. The event usually takes place over two weeks, offering a wide range of activities, including a parade, concerts, performances, parties, workshops, and panel discussions. The parade, with its colourful floats and music, is one of the livelier parts of the festival, bringing together people of all sexual orientations and identities to celebrate and advocate for diversity and acceptance.
The street festival, with numerous stages around Heumarkt, Gürzenich, and Alter Markt, features extraordinary performances, political speeches, and artistic showcases by national and international participants. Cologne Pride is an inclusive event, inviting everyone to join in the celebration of love and self-confidence while standing against hatred and discrimination. It provides a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to come together and promote their rights and well-being.
CSD Cologne has played a significant role in the social history of the LGBTQ+ movement, contributing to the visibility and acceptance of the community in Germany and beyond. It is a testament to the ongoing pursuit of equal rights and a more tolerant and open society.
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Acceptance and equality
Christopher Street Day (CSD) is an annual event celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and their pursuit of equal rights. It is held in memory of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when members of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City fought against police brutality and discrimination. CSD has become a symbol of pride for the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for their rights and promoting acceptance and diversity.
CSD Cologne, also known as Cologne Pride, is one of the largest gay and lesbian events in Europe. It is a colourful and joyous celebration with parades, rallies, parties, and cultural events. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and supporters of equal rights.
The highlight of CSD Cologne is the three-day street fair and demonstration parade through the city centre. The parade features colourful floats, music, and dance performances, with participants from all generations and backgrounds. It is a safe and inclusive space for people to celebrate their true selves and stand up for diversity and acceptance.
In addition to the parade, CSD Cologne offers a range of other activities, including concerts, performances, workshops, and panel discussions. There is also an open-air market at the festival's centre, where attendees can shop for LGBTQIA+-themed merchandise and support local merchants. The atmosphere is lively and inclusive, with people coming together to celebrate love and diversity.
CSD Cologne plays a crucial role in promoting equality and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community. It provides a platform for advocacy and raising awareness, bringing together like-minded individuals who believe in a tolerant and open society. The event has contributed to the visibility and social acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, making it an essential milestone in the LGBTQIA+ movement.
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Frequently asked questions
CSD Cologne, or Christopher Street Day Cologne, is an annual celebration of diversity and LGBTQIA+ rights. The event takes place in Cologne, Germany, and includes a parade, concerts, performances, parties, and other events that contribute to its lively, inclusive atmosphere.
CSD Cologne takes place over two weeks, usually in June or July. In 2025, it will be held from 21 June to 6 July.
CSD, or Christopher Street Day, is named after the street in New York where the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969. The Stonewall Riots were the first big uprising of LGBTQ+ people against police assaults. The first German Christopher Street Day took place in Berlin in 1979, and CSD Cologne has since become one of the largest LGBTQIA+ events in Europe.