Sofia Pride
About This Event
Sofia Pride is Bulgaria's main Pride march and its most visible LGBTI+ event. It is run by a coalition that includes the Bilitis Resource Center Foundation, LGBT Deystvie and GLAS. The first march, in 2008, was attacked by counter-protesters and needed heavy police protection. The march has been held every June since.
The event matters because the political climate is hostile. Bulgaria recognises neither same-sex marriage nor civil partnerships. In August 2024 parliament banned the 'promotion' of LGBT topics in schools. Since 2021, right-wing and religious groups have held a 'March of the Family' on Pride day. In 2026 the Orthodox Church publicly disagreed with Pride's messages. Prime Minister Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party backed the family march in parliament, and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee criticised it for treating one group of citizens as more valuable than others.
The day has two parts. From the afternoon, Knyazheska gradina (the Prince's Garden, behind the former Soviet Army monument) hosts stalls and a free concert. The shestvie, the march itself, leaves around 18:00 to 18:30 and ends in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK). Police presence is heavy. In practice, that means staying with the march, carrying flags in a bag on the way there and back, and leaving in a group. A separate Sofia Pride Film Fest runs under the same banner, so check its own dates.
The 2026 edition was on Saturday 13 June under the slogan 'Различно си приличаме' (roughly 'Different, yet alike'). Eurovision winner Dara closed the concert. Ambassadors from the UK, Ireland, France and other countries carried a 'Diplomats for equality' banner. Reports on the crowd size disagreed: Club Z and GlasNews said thousands, Fakti said hundreds, and another report noted fewer marchers than in earlier years and a lot of police. The last firm count we found is about 6,000 in 2019. The march has fallen on a Saturday in June for years, but the 2027 date hadn't been announced when we checked.
Parade Route
Where to stay during Sofia Pride
via Stay22Schedule & Sub-Events
+ Add EventDetailed schedule coming soon.
Check the official website for the latest programme.
Videos
Sofia Pride 2026🏳️🌈✨️🎊🔊👑 #pride #gay #queer #transgender #bulgaria
