Cologne (dpa) - Around 1.5 million people watched Cologne's Pride Parade on Sunday, organizers said, surpassing their expectations for one of Europe's largest such events.

Some 60,000 participants in 250 groups took part in the parade to mark Pride, known in Germany as Christopher Street Day (CSD). "According to our parade organizers, the city has never been as crowded for the CSD demonstration as it was this year," ColognePride said.

Participants see prejudice on the rise again

Martin was among those gathered in the city on Sunday, dressed entirely in rainbow colours and carrying an inflatable flamingo. The 35-year-old from the central German town of Gießen said he plans to attend no fewer than 20 Pride parades this year. "The only time I can go on holiday is for a skiing trip - from May to September I'm on the road," he said.

Cologne Pride 2026 - Parade zum Christopher Street Day (CSD) — Martin, who also goes by the name "Flirty Flamingo," takes part in the 2026 Christopher Street Day parade in Cologne, Germany, dressed in a colorful costume.(Photo: Thomas Banneyer/dpa)

Martin told German news agency dpa he came out in his early 20s to his parents. "I rang my parents and said, 'I've got something to tell you.' But they said, 'Well we can already guess what it is.'" His father had just one request: "If you ever have a boyfriend, please introduce him to us at home. Before I die, I want to know that you're happy."

Martin's everyday life isn't always so accepting, however. He dresses in rainbow colours even outside of Pride events. "Cars stop, people shout things at me. Swear words. Gestures. I get spat on. On the train, people won't sit next to me," he said. Martin said prejudice and attacks have been on the rise recently. "When there are certain far-right parties ensuring that certain topics are becoming socially acceptable again, I find myself thinking even more: Can I go out like this?" he said. "There's this fear, even with the current federal government: Are certain rights we've fought for secure, or could they be taken away again?" he added.

Wind "blowing harshly" against queer community, participant criticises

Other demonstrators shared his concern. "The wind is blowing harshly, and especially against the queer community," drag queen Meryl Deep told dpa. Concerns had been expressed at growing anti-gay sentiment ahead of the parade.

Cologne Pride 2026 - Parade zum Christopher Street Day (CSD) — Drag queen Meryl Deep will take part in the 2026 Christopher Street Day parade in Cologne, Germany.(Photo: Thomas Banneyer/dpa)

Herbert Reul, interior minister of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, where Cologne is located, attended for the first time. "I'm here because I'm increasingly concerned," he told dpa. "We increasingly have people demanding to decide how we should live. And that's wrong," Reul said, adding that the police - which he represented - protected everyone, irrespective of lifestyle.

"Largest demonstration for democracy" in Germany, renowned Green politician said

Reul described the creativity and cheerful atmosphere of the parade as impressive and noted that the large numbers of people expected along the route represented a clear statement.

Former Green party culture minister Claudia Roth said: "We are here today in Cologne as the largest demonstration for democracy in our country." And former Social Democrat health minister Karl Lauterbach said the parade was more important than ever, as there was increasing pressure from the political right. "Where rights are abolished and the people affected can no longer be seen, then we will go under," he said.

"More and more people are taking to the streets," 58-year-old Thomas notes. He said that even in small towns there are now Pride parades, particularly in areas where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is strong.

CSD recalls events at the Stonewall Inn in New York in 1969 when police stormed a gay bar on Christopher Street.

Author: widman.miriam

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