EuroPride Valletta 2023: How Malta Marched for Equality

Malta has consistently been voted one of Europe’s top destinations for LGBTIQ+ people. Ranked 1st on the ILGA-Europe’s annual ‘Rainbow Map and Index’ for eight years running, it should not be a surprise that the country’s capital was selected to host 2023’s EuroPride celebrations. EuroPride Valletta kicked off on the 7th of September 2023 and, in the span of 10 days, it delivered a great display of inclusivity, finishing on a few high notes with an unforgettable performance of Christina Aguilera.

Marching to the theme of ‘Equality from the Heart’, more than 38,000 people reinforced the unwavering support that the Mediterranean Island has shown the community. Set at the heart of the Middle East and North African regions, Europride Malta was the perfect stage to address human rights issues for the EMENA (European, Middle East & North Africa) LGBTIQ+ Community.

Our sister company Out Of Office has curated numerous itineraries designed to combine the success of EuroPride Valletta with Malta's most stunning natural environments. Discover a range of bespoke, luxury trips at OutOfOffice.com

To celebrate the triumph of Valletta, we look back at our favourite moments from EuroPride 2023.

 

The EuroPride 2023 March

Spanning 10 days from 7-17 September 2023, EuroPride Valletta was the largest celebration of love and the LGBTIQ+ community that Malta has ever seen. EuroPride Valletta 2023 saw the ancient streets of Malta transformed into a queer wonderland with a host of events, performances, parades, and parties taking place across the Maltese archipelago.

The pinnacle of EuroPride Valletta 2023 was the March. The EuroPride March took place on 16 September 2023, and it saw sun-soaked Valletta become a bastion of LGBTIQ+ pride as a colourful demonstration of community and resilience moved through the city.

EuroPride Valletta 2023 focused on fostering an environment that supports the rights of all members of the LGBTIQ+ community, regardless of tastes and interests. In particular, EuroPride Valletta aimed at creating a safe port of call for the EMENA (European, Middle East & North Africa) LGBTIQ+ Community.

The EuroPride Valletta Concert

EuroPride 2023 might be over, but visitors to Malta will not have forgotten the excitement of the celebration’s EuroPride Concert. Set in Valletta’s Triton Square on 16 September 2023, the concert featured performances from an international collection of artists and was the ideal way to end the EuroPride Valletta 2023 experience on a high.

Both Maltese and Mediterranean artists such as Ira Losco and Emma Muscat and International acts such as QUEENZ joined a prideful line-up, headlined by the iconic Christina Aguilera.

Still Dreaming of Maltese Shores?

Ranked 1st on the ILGA-Europe’s annual ‘Rainbow Map and Index’ for eight years running, Malta remains a great queer destination, even if EuroPride 2023 is over. The relatively small size of Malta means that almost any accommodation in the country will position you well to get around the archipelago.

Without a doubt one of Valletta’s most luxurious hotels, The Rosselli Hotel is the newest member of the opulent AX Privilege group and boasts a central Valletta location that is just a short walking distance from many of the city’s most popular gay bars and clubs. Guests staying at The Rosselli Hotel can enjoy a modern design inspired by traditional Maltese culture and should endeavour to visit the connected Undergrain restaurant - a Michelin-starred dining experience that promises to delight the taste buds.

Discreetly located within four stunningly renovated townhouses atop Valletta’s awe-inspiringly beautiful St Barbara Bastion - the city’s most sought-after street thanks to its unobstructed harbour views, Iniala Harbour House offers spacious rooms and seductive vistas across three cities. Delivering an unprecedented level of luxury, be sure to consider Iniala Harbour House for your Malta trip.

Discover all our favourite Hotels in Malta here.

 

Things to do in Valletta

Bursting with history and boasting a flourishing contemporary culture that includes world-class gastronomy and nightlife, Valletta is one of Europe’s most exciting and beautiful destinations. Floating in the azure Mediterranean Sea, the small island nation of Malta is a treasure trove of discovery and a fantastic choice for gay travellers.

Valletta is Malta’s capital city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its historical treasures including St. Johns Co-Cathedral which is home to the world’s only signed Caravaggio painting. If you'd love to explore Valletta and Malta's historical gems, Q Travel Malta offers small group and private tours exclusively tailored for the vibrant LGBTIQ+ community, focusing on Queer history and an uncensored version of the past that you won't find on your standard tour.

Once known as “The Gut”, Strait Street is a lively and inclusive area of Valletta, originally serving as a hang-out for the city. Today, however, Strait Street is awash with establishments geared towards the LGBTIQ+ community, and it’s here that you’ll find a great collection of gay bars and clubs. One of the most popular gay bars in the city is Michaelangelo Club Lounge. This stylish and up-market bar offers a refined experience within a luxurious atmosphere and is the perfect place to drink and socialise with friends ahead of a big night out. The bar has a fantastic selection of cocktails and wines as well as a menu of small plates and bar snacks.

Ready to explore Valletta? Find the latest events and features here.

Ready for EuroPride 2024?

EuroPride 2024 will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece in June. Get started on planning your trip to EuroPride 2024 here.