Malta Gay Pride 2025
- 5-14 Sep 2025
- Valletta
Since its humble beginnings, Malta Pride has evolved from a one‑day march into a truly national festival. When activists first gathered in Valletta in the early 2000s, only a handful of people were willing to march publicly. Over the years, dedication from the local lgbtq+Q+ community and its allies helped transform that protest into a celebration that now spans ten days, thousands of participants and enjoys the support of municipal authorities and businesses across the island.
The 2025 edition of Malta Pride is scheduled to run from 5 to 14 September and will once again fill the streets of Valletta and neighbouring cities with colour and music Communities, the main organiser, has announced that the festival will open on the first Friday with a relaxed evening at Māori, a bar perched on the city’s bastions overlooking Marsamxett Harbour. Over the weekend the party moves to the island of Gozo for a Pride march and after‑party. Participants board ferries to join locals in Victoria, the island’s capital, for a day that blends activism with laid‑back island hospitality. It is a great way to get to know Malta’s quieter sister island and meet people from all over Europe who make the trip especially for Pride.
Back on the main island, the following week is packed with events. Throughout the afternoon and evening there are art exhibitions, film screenings, talks about queer history and rights in Malta, workshops on sexual health and social gatherings for different parts of the community. Drag performers host lively shows in local clubs, while live musicians bring a carnival vibe to open‑air venues around the city. A highlight for many visitors is the Pride Boat Party. This ticketed event takes place on a converted passenger ferry that cruises past the fortifications of Valletta and the Three Cities as DJs spin and guests dance and swim. It is a unique chance to see Malta’s UNESCO‑listed harbour while enjoying good company and a warm Mediterranean breeze.
The main parade is set for Saturday 154】. Floats adorned with flowers, balloons and banners roll down Republic Street to the rhythm of marching bands and drummers. Volunteers carry a giant rainbow flag thSaturday 13 September. Floatssymbol of solidarity that has become a trademark of the march. Dance groups, sports clubs, queer families and friendly businesses all join the procession, making it clear that Pride is not just for one segment of society. Spectators line the pavements waving flags, blowing whistles and cheering on the performers. The mood is festive and welcoming, but there is also space for remembrance: organisers usually pause the parade to honour those lost to HIV/AIDS and to highlight ongoing struggles faced by queer people worldwide.
After the march, crowds gravitate towards St George’s Square for the Pride Village. Stalls from NGOs, health services, craftspeople and community groups transform the square into a small marketplace offering information, merchandise and opportunities to connect. Food trucks serve Maltese street food and international dishes, and bars set up temporary terraces. As evening falls, the square becomes an open‑air concert venue. In previous years local pop singers, emerging queer artists and international guests have taken the stage. Entry is free, and families are welcomed alongside party‑goers. Should you prefer a more intimate setting, smaller bars in the nearby Strait Street host acoustic sets and spoken‑word performances.
Part of what makes Malta Pride special is the context in which it takes place. Malta has consistently ranked among the most inclusive countries in Europe for lgbtq+Q+ rights, topping the ILGA‑Europe Rainbow Index several years in a row. The country has legalised same‑sex marriage, provided protections for transgender people and banned conversion therapy. Yet activists remind attendees that Pride remains essential to keep visibility high and protect hard‑won rights. Throughout the week you can attend talks by lawyers and campaigners who helped achieve legislative change, as well as panels discussing the challenges that still exist, such as racial discrimination within queer spaces and access to healthcare for trans individuals.
The island setting also influences the character of the festival. Valletta’s Baroque buildings and narrow lanes provide a picturesque backdrop for the parade, while the surrounding sea offers plenty of opportunities for post‑event relaxation. Many visitors combine Pride with a beach holiday, spending mornings swimming at St Peter’s Pool or Ramla Bay before heading into the city for evening events. For locals, Pride is a time to show hospitality: many Maltese families attend the march with their children, and local businesses decorate their shopfronts with rainbow flags.
Travellers planning to attend should book accommodation early; even though September is considered shoulder season, hotels in Valletta and Sliema fill quickly during Pride week. Public transport links are frequent, but be prepared for some road closures on the day of the parade. Above all, come ready to join in a celebration that balances joyous parties with reflection and activism. Keep an eye on the official website for the full programme and updates on venues, ticketed events and volunteer opportunities. Whether you are Maltese or visiting for the first time, Malta Pride 2025 promises a warm welcome and a chance to stand alongside a community that is proud of its progress and determined to build an even more inclusive future.