Event Dates
From: Thursday, July 4, 2024
To: Thursday, July 4, 2024
Madrid’s high heel race has spawned many copycat events worldwide, but their annual Pride race is one of the biggest
Madrid’s high heel race has spawned many copycat events worldwide, but their annual Pride race is one of the biggest in Europe and the most competitive.
- Visiting for Madrid Pride? With 2 million people attending, you need to book your hotel now!
Madrid High Heel Race
- Thursday July 4th, 2024 – Grab your pride outfit and get ready for the race of your life! You don’t even have to drag up, the only rule is you have to wear high heels. (of course many do drag with spectacular costumes.. but the choice is yours).
- Last-minute entrants can stop by one of two stations where they are transformed with makeup and accessories, ready for the race ahead.
- The race is organised into three qualifying rounds and finals. There are prizes for all finalists – and the winner, of course: dinners for two, cash, discounts and coupons.
- The event has become a TV sensation, covered by national and international broadcasters.
- The first race begins at 6 pm on Calle Pelayo, but arrive much earlier to grab a place to view the race.
The Venue
- Madrid’s high heel takes over Calle Pelayo, one of the oldest streets just 3 mins walk from Chueca, the city’s famous gay district.
- Stay close to the High Heel race at the Ayre Gran Hotel Colón, with spacious rooms and delicious breakfast options.
Madrid Pride
- Madrid Gay Pride takes place on the first weekend in July each year. The High Heel race on Thursday leads into some epic parties and events including The Mr Gay Pride contest, the We Party Pride Festival and the Madrid Pride March on the final Sunday.
Where to stay in Gay Madrid?
The following Madrid hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to the city’s top attractions and the gay district.
NH Collection, Iberostar, Room Mate Oscar, H10 Villa de la Reina
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Room Mate Oscar in Chueca the gay area,
is our preferred hotel in Madrid!
For further information and advice
The High Heel Race visit the website
Most of the gay bars in Madrid are located in Chueca, the city’s gay village and epicentre of all Spanish gay life. Hotels here fill up fast, so book well in advance, especially for key events.
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Madrid that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Highlights of previous races
Discover the vibrant spirit of Madrid, a city that embraces diversity and offers an inclusive escape for LGBTQ+ travellers, blending rich cultural heritage, lively nightlife, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. While Chueca is the primary gay area, other neighbourhoods in Madrid also offer a range of bars and clubs with different vibes and unique experiences worth exploring.
The bustling area is perfect for those who want to be close to major attractions and gay bars and clubs.
Hip neighbourhood with vintage stores & an artistic flair, trendy bars & cafes surround Plaza del Dos de Mayo