In 2009 Zürich will play host to the international gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride event that is Europe's most exiting celebration of gay culture. EuroPride 2009 will descend upon the city from May 2nd to June the 7th and will feature a dynamic combination of music, sport, culture and nightlife events.

It's appropriate that Zürich is the first ever Swiss host of this prestigious event. Switzerland's biggest city has long been a home to a large GLBT community which has felt comfortable and safe in the city. Diverse and friendly, Zürich has always been exceptionally welcome to the gay visitors, and there has always been a gay presence in the heart of the old town. Looking back to the second half of the 19th Century, Zürich has the first recorded public activities of any GLBT group in the world. The legendary bar called Barfusser, which has been running since 1956, claims to be Europe's oldest continuously operated gay bar, whilst the gay magazine Der Kreis, which was founded here in 1943, made an important contribution to gay liberation and culture in both Europe and around the world.


Zürich's prominent gay community will be reflected in the EuroPride programme with many of the city's biggest GLBT events and organizations taking part. The programme commences on May the 2nd with the opening ceremony and a big party that is open to everyone.

For more information on how you be part of EuroPride please visit Tourism Switzerland for more details.