Cyprus pride 2026 march held in Nicosia

The Cyprus Pride 2026 festival culminated on June 6 with a large march through central Nicosia, themed 'Get out, on your own proud path.' Organised by Accept-LGBTI Cyprus, the event was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic and the Nicosia Municipality, with support from the European Commission and European Parliament offices. Organisers reported that approximately 8,000 people attended various festival events between May 15 and June 6, with roughly 6,000 participating in the final march. Pre-march activities at the Nicosia Municipal Gardens included speeches, children's activities, and free HIV and STI testing provided by the CY Checkpoint. Key speakers included spokesperson Stephanos Evangelides, Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, and Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis. The event, which was dedicated to the memory of co-founder Kostas Gavriilides, featured an arts programme and for the first time used only reusable cups. The festival advocated for equality and inclusion, with participation from various community groups, including those representing migrants, people with disabilities, and feminist movements.