One of the premiere events of the summer in the city, Montreal Pride is one of the best Pride celebrations in the world. This year, the city has invited the entire country to join Canada Pride Montreal, an 11-day celebration of Montreal’s sexual diversity. With such an exceptional festival this year, we have put together a quick guide of five things that you need to know about this year’s edition of Montreal Pride. Whether you’re a Pride veteran, or new to Montreal and the community, we have the highlights that you cannot miss this year:
1. Not Just a Parade
While the parade may be the most famous part, Canada Pride Montreal is an 11-day celebration with over 260 activities for participants of all ages and backgrounds.
Some of these activities include: the Annual Community Day held in the Gay Village, a sports tournament held at the Claude Robillard Centre, a conference on LGBTTIQA2S Rights in Canada, guided tours of the Gay Village, Pride Day at the La Ronde amusement park, and an Art Exhibition detailing the history of the LGBTQ community in Montreal and Canada.
You can see a full list of activities at Montreal Pride’s website.
2. International Celebration
This week, it was announced that Ireland’s Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, will join Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and walk in the Montreal Pride Parade on Sunday. This will be the first time a foreign leader will have joined the Canadian Prime Minister in a Pride Parade. Prime Minister Trudeau made history last year by being the first sitting Prime Minister to participate in a Pride parade.
Mr. Varadkhar has already made history as the first openly gay Taoiseach in Ireland’s history, as well as the youngest. He was appointed to the position after winning the election as the leader of his political party, Fine Gael, in June 2017.
3. Whoa, Nelly!
This year, Grammy Award winning singer Nelly Furtado will act as the headliner for Canada Pride Montreal. She will be playing a free, 90-minute concert on Friday, August 18, at 9 pm on the TD stage in Parc des Faubourgs as part of official Montreal Pride celebrations.
Other big names on the schedule include David Usher, Marie-Mai, and Gregory Charles, who have performed in different shows leading up to the final weekend.
This year’s official ambassadors for Canada Pride Montreal are Sandy Duperval and Zacharry-David Dufour. Ms. Duperval is a singer and DJ who was a finalist in Quebec’s famed Star Acadamie. She has since shared the stage with the likes of Bob Sinclair, Ruby Rose, and Lil’ Jon. Mr. Dufour is a student of psychology of l’Universite Laval, and intends on pursuing a career in marketing communications.
4. Many Things to Celebrate
2017 marks 10 years since the founding of Montreal Pride in 2007; it has since then become the largest LGBTQ gathering in the francophone world.
Canada Pride Montreal is also an important part of two other anniversaries being celebrated this year. It is included in the official program of Montreal’s 375th anniversary, Alive 375. Canada Pride Montreal is also an official part of Canada 150 celebrations.
With so many anniversaries, and so much to celebrate, this year’s edition of Montreal Pride, as the national celebration Canada Pride Montreal, promises to be bigger and better than ever.
5. Easy to Join us
Looking to join in and come to Montreal for Canada Pride Montreal? Corporate Stays has the housing solutions for you. Two of our buildings, the BNC and the Rubic, are mere steps away from Montreal’s historic Gay Village; it’s never been easier to stay close to the heart of the action.
With our dedicated concierge service, you will have access to local experts who can help recommend the best restaurants and activities as you explore the city and Canada Pride Montreal.
More importantly, it is still not too late to join in on the celebration! Contact us now to book your apartment for this weekend’s pride events in Montreal!
