The gay pride parade on Christopher Street Day has its origins in New York's Christopher Street, which was the site of violence between customers in a gay bar and raiding police in June 1969. To commemorate the social 'coming out' of gay and lesbian communities, huge street parties and parades take place all over the world on this day to celebrate a greater tolerance among the public and to demonstrate self-confidence in their homosexuality. Although a huge, colourful festival with hundreds of thousands of participants, including many heterosexual revellers and supporters of the cause, its political focus is the demand for the legalization of homosexual partnerships. The festival motto for 2012 was 'knowledge creates acceptance' which aptly illustrates the organisation's core belief that ignorance and fear is at the root of homophobia and that raising awareness and public support will greatly improve the lives of homosexual people by encouraging them to be proud and the public to show support. This enormous party for a good cause is spectacular and very popular and has become an important day on Berlin's calendar.

Date: 21 June 2014

Website: www.csd-berlin.de