The Pride Parade in Cologne, known as Christopher Street Day, gathered 60,000 participants and up to 1 million spectators.

The Pride Parade in Cologne started on Sunday with 60,000 participants organized into 250 groups, and estimates suggest that up to 1 million spectators attended the event.

This is one of the largest events of its kind in Europe, known in Germany as Christopher Street Day (CSD). Before the parade, concerns were raised about the intensification of anti-gay sentiments, and Herbert Reul, the Minister of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, attended for the first time, emphasizing the importance of protecting everyone, regardless of lifestyle. Reul described the vibrant atmosphere of the parade as impressive.

Former Minister of Culture, Claudia Roth, stated that the event represents a manifestation in favor of democracy, while Karl Lauterbach, former Minister of Health, highlighted the relevance of the parade in the context of current political pressures. CSD commemorates the events at the Stonewall Inn in 1969, symbolizing the struggle for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.