Has this gradually greying weather derailed your evening plans? You’re in luck! The Europride 2023 opening ceremony and after-party has finally rolled around to add a pop of colour to September as we transition into autumnal grey skies. EuroPride is a large-scale, fun-filled, European LGBTIQ+ event which is held in a different city each year. Whether you’re a member of the community or merely an ally, MFCC Ta’ Qali is the place to be tonight. After all, it was gay icon Lady Gaga who sang Rain on Me.

Local TV personalities Ray Calleja and Ron Briffa, along with Drag-Artist Olivia Lilith, will host the opening ceremony. The night will also mark the debut of Kor Kwir, Malta’s first queer community choir. The fifty-member ensemble is equal parts singers and musicians from the Brass House Unit, as well as composed of such local celebrities as Destiny, Glen Vella, Ryan Hili and Amber. The ceremony will be followed by a thrilling after-party, where Angie Laus, Ryan and Josmar will take the reins as hosts. For all the dancers out there, this is one you can’t miss. 

Let loose to iconic gay anthems and beats by Brass House Unit and DJ LEX, who are sure to deliver. Last but certainly not least, the event will be headlined by Netta, who is gearing up for her closing performance as we speak. The Israeli singer is known by many for her 2018 Eurovision Song Contest victory, and has since made an admirable effort to push for gay rights both on and off stage. This concoction of love, amusement, music and excitement is bound to make your week, but the fun doesn’t end there. Tonight merely serves to kick off ten days’ worth of parties, exhibitions and stands (for a comprehensive schedule click here). 

On top of that, Europride 2023 merchandise can be purchased at Europride Village (Pjazza Tritoni) between 7 and 17 September. Not only is it a huge honour for Valletta to have been chosen as this year’s Europride Village, but it also speaks to our progressive laws and serves as an opportunity to foster a spirit of diversity and inclusion. Whether you come for the star studded lineup or the festivities, this is ultimately a celebration of a community that is all too often stifled to stand in the spotlight, or rather dance in it.