Montréal, August 18, 2009 — The Montréal Pride Parade welcomed more than 100,000 spectators on René-Lévesque Boulevard East, Sunday August 16. More than 2,000 participants took part in the parade, organized by the Montréal Pride Celebrations; among them, 86 contingents, representing community groups, sports teams and local businesses. This year theme: ¡FIESTA!, was embraced by a majority of parade participants, bringing originality and innovation along the one-kilometre route, which was dressed to the colours of Celebrations. Following the event, spectators and participants gathered in Émilie-Gamelin Park for the popular t-dance, with performances by DJs Stéfane Lippé, Oscar Velazquez and Mark Anthony.
“Participation exceeded all of our expectations, with more than 200,000 participants during the 4-day festivities. We are proud of the work achieved by our team of employees and volunteers, as well as the support of our numerous partners, who did not hesitate to associate again with the event. The parade is an important event for the community, as it symbolizes our advancements in human rights and our continued work for social acceptance” explained Mr. Éric Pineault, President of the Montréal Pride Celebrations.
Community Day
Saturday’s Community Day welcomed a record number of participation from previous years with 130 participating groups. More than 48,000 people came to the Montréal Village Saturday afternoon, as part of the Celebrations Festival.
Well-attended shows
All the shows presented on the TD Canada Trust stage, at place Émilie-Gamelin, broke records of attendance, thanks to the wonderful weather and the quality of the program. A few highlights included the Porn Flakes show, C’est la fête variety show and well as the amazing performances of our three world renowned DJs.
The addition of associated events brought a fresh breeze to the Celebrations. There was public acclaim for Jasmin Roy of Les Gaydailles at Studio Juste pour rire, people danced to the South American rhythms for eight hours during Zone tropicale, hundreds of girls showed up for the BYOL – Bring Your Own Lesbian Night, at SAT and theatre fans enjoyed the play Bunbury: The Importance of Being Earnest.
“We are particularly proud to have showcased a diverse program that reached many different clientele, girls and guys, straight and gay! Our team was able to deliver a high quality event, despite the relatively low budget of $450,000 for an event of this scope. But we can always count on the support of numerous members of the LGBT community, as well as hundreds of volunteers and our loyal partners, private and public” underlined Éric Pineault.
Special Awards
For the third consecutive year in Montréal Pride history, prizes were awarded to the most exciting contingents in various categories. Awards were handed out to the following winners:
The jury also awarded one Special Jury Prizes for the group CHROMATIKA, which designed the six colourful costumes of the Montréal Pride Celebrations contingent. In addition, the Organizing Committee has given a special Award to Complexe Sky.
Two fantastic ambassadors contributed to the success of the 2009 edition – the amazing Michelle Blanc and energetic Jasmin Roy. We thank them for sharing their professionalism, great hearts and humanity.
“The 2010 Montréal Pride Celebrations will take place from August 12 to 15,” concluded Mr. Pineault. Celebrations LGBTA is proud to count on the support of its major partners:
Belle Gueule |
TD Groupe financier |
Hôtel Delta Centre-Ville |
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Alain Labonté
alain@alainlabonte.ca
T. 514 523-9922 C. 514 815-2128
About Célébrations LGBTA Montréal
Célébrations LGBTA Montréal was formed by the LGBT community, following the Divers/Cité decision, in May 2007, to cease the organization of the Pride Parade and Community Day. Célébrations LGBTA Montréal (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders and their Allies) is a non-profit organization created in June 2007 that proudly organizes the Community Day and the Montréal gay and lesbian Pride Parade. The strong support provided by the business community, the City of Montréal, the Borough of Ville-Marie, the SDC du Village (the Village merchants and business association) and more than 100 groups and community associations resulted in the highly successful Montréal Pride Celebrations in 2007.
