Brazil gay parade

Home / gay topics / Brazil gay parade

After the parade, the party moves to LGBTQ+ clubs in Ipanema and Copacabana.

If you’re into high-energy dance parties with top international DJs, then Brazil’s circuit party scene is where you need to be. If you’re planning a trip to Brazil, timing it around one of these events will take your experience to the next level. Think pool parties, beach events, and massive night parties.

Each float is sponsored by different LGBTQ+ organisations, businesses, or political movements, presenting themed messages around visibility, rights, and diversity. São Paulo Pride is wild, emotional, and powerful. According to local tourism boards, the 2024 edition generated close to R$500 million (approximately USD $95 million) for the local economy.

Here are the biggest events:

  • The Week (São Paulo and Rio): The most iconic gay club in Brazil. See the full schedule of events on the official parade website or on their Instagram.

The Circuit Festival, Brazil’s largest LGBTQ+ party series, hosts multiple events over several days, drawing international DJs and thousands of attendees.

It’s a full-on experience.

  • Survival Tips for Circuit Parties:

    • Hold on to the card they give you at the entrance—it acts like a credit card. The party lasts all day and into the night.

    • What to Expect: Expect colorful floats, live music, DJs, and a crowd that knows how to party.

    • The cultural impact is equally significant, as the event boosts visibility for LGBTQ+ artists and entrepreneurs. It’s not just the largest Pride parade in Brazil; it’s the biggest in the world. If you lose it, you’ll be charged a huge fee.

  • Hydrate. Scheduled annually on the Sunday following Corpus Christi, the parade makes its way down Avenida Paulista, pulsating with energy, festivity, and an unyielding spirit of advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

    What happens at Sao Paulo Pride?

    The event begins with a week filled with parties and gatherings leading up to the grand parade.

    • Impact of the São Paulo Pride Parade

    Economically, the São Paulo Pride Parade is one of the city’s most profitable annual events. Food vendors, hydration stations, and medical assistance points are strategically placed along the route to support the large crowd.

    Pre-parade festivities and nightlife

    Leading up to the main parade, Sao Paulo transforms into a city-wide celebration of LGBTQ+ culture.

    It’s a celebration of love, diversity, and resistance.

  • Insider Tips:

    • Get there early to grab a good spot along Avenida Paulista.

    • Keep your valuables secure—wear pants with zippers or a front-facing fanny pack.

    • Hydrate!

      brazil gay parade

      Key areas for tourists include Bela Vista, known for its proximity to cultural sites and lively streets, and Jardins/Cerqueira César, famous for its upscale dining and shopping. The party is intense, and the sun can be brutal.

  • After Parties: The parade is just the beginning. See our Sao Paulo hotel guide here.

    What's the history of Sao Paulo Pride?

    The São Paulo Pride Parade was founded in 1997 and has grown to become one of the largest pride parades in the world.