Malta Gay Pride 2023

Malta Gay Pride 2023

Note – in 2023 Malta is the host of Europride in Valletta, a 10 day event featuring world class concerts, parties and more. 

Malta Gay Pride is one of the later pride events to take place in Europe. The event is held each year in September.

September is the perfect time to visit the Island. The weather is warm and sunny with average temperatures early in the month averaging 24 degrees celsius during the day.

• Tip! – Book your stay in the Capital Valletta, where most of the pride events take place. Depending on the length of your visit, you might want to combine your trip with a beach escape in nearby St. Julians. It’s a short taxi ride (15kms) away or you can get the ferry and enjoy some great views on the journey. 

Gay Malta

• Malta has been consistently ranked as being the most most LGBTIQ friendly country in Europe according to the ILGA Rainbow Index. The country is warm and welcoming and its pride is a friendly affair, the perfect blend of politics and pride.
• Malta Gay Pride is a week long series of cultural events, parties, festivals, conferences, fashion nights, a highly recommended Pride Boat Party and other activities culminating in a weekend parade through the streets of the capital Valletta.
• Celebrate Malta Pride in style at our reader’s top pick, The Palais Le Brun Hotel with stunning rooftop pool, modern gym and perfect location

Opening Night

• Awaiting dates and venues – Celebrate the inauguration of Malta Pride at the opening concert, taking place at the Aria Complex in Iklin, 18 minutes drive from the capital.

Malta Pride Parade

• Saturday 16th September 2023, 17.00 hrs – Pride Day celebrations include a Pride Parade with the participation of Floats, Dancers, Street Performers and several other attractions.
• The Malta Pride parade route is typically as follows: Starting from Castille Place through Merchant Street; turning on to Republic Street and ending at Triton Square.
• On Pride Day a Giant 82 foot Rainbow flag is unveiled along with many other surprises.
• Stay close to the parade and parties at the 3 star Osborne Hotel, rated “Fabulous”, complete with a rooftop pool and excellent gym.

Pride Open Concert

• Saturday 16th September 2023 – A new event during Malta Pride featuring a unique series of performances held in the centre of Valletta, in Triton Square.

The After Party

• Saturday 16th September 2023, 22.30 hrs – Malta Gay Pride parade is followed by an open air free Street Party and Concert later in the Evening.
• The official Pride Party typically takes place at Tigullio, in St.Julian’s, an event space with a capacity of 2000.

Circuit Parties

• Enjoy the biggest party of the season in Malta’s stunning Club Uno. “Lollipop Malta” hosts the party with guest DJs, sexy dancers, surprise performances and amazing production. (Lollipop hosts multiple parties throughout the year.)
• Saturday 16th September 2023, Michelangelo, Malta’s gay club, presents Proud & Loud, a unique Pride After Party from 22.00 hrs, with a live performances and guest DJs.

Pride Pool Party

• Awaiting dates and venue confirmation- Lollipop, one of Malta’s most popular bi-monthly gay circuit parties, produces the annual Malta Pride Pool Party.
• Stay steps from the party at the 1926 Hotel and Spa, a “Fabulous” rated boutique hotel with spacious rooms and a breath-taking pool.

Pride Around the Grand Harbour

• Sunday, Sept 17th 2023, 5.30pm –  TBC Reserve your very own boat and sail it around the harbour.  The Dgħajsa or water taxi is an iconic boat often seen across the harbour.
• Decorate your boat and sail it around the harbour followed by a live performance of ultimate 80’s hits by singer and performer Davey Stuart at Le Regatta Restaurant.
• Each boat can carry up to 6 guests.

Where to stay

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action in Valletta. Consider a twin city trip and follow pride with an escape to the beach resorts in charming St. Julians, Malta’s second city.

Hilton Malta,    InterContinental,    Hugo’s Boutique,    Holiday Inn

Check out our insider gay guide to Malta and discover the best places to stay and play on the Island.