Don’t miss Reykjavik Pride 2016!

The parade is the high point of Reykjavik Pride for …

The parade is the high point of Reykjavik Pride for many. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Ómar Óskarsson

Next week sees the 2016 running of Reyjavik Pride – and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

This year’s event, celebrating Iceland’s LGBTIQ community, will be inaugurated in the same way as last year, with a Reykjavik street being painted in rainbow colours.

Skólavörðustíg last year. Where will get the rainbow treatment in …

Skólavörðustíg last year. Where will get the rainbow treatment in 2016? Photo: Iceland Monitor/Þórður Arnar

Last year it was Skólavörðustígur in central Reykjavik , but a new location – to be announced on 1 August – has been chosen for 2016. “It was so successful last year, that we decided to repeat it in 2016,” says treasurer of Reykjavik Pride Gunnlaugur Bragi Björnsson.

MORE: See Iceland Monitor’s events calendar for Pride Week

The theme of this year’s event revolves around pioneers in queer rights. “We look back and think about how the past has shaped our society and ourselves,” reads the event website.

Gunnlaugur Bragi Björnsson.

Gunnlaugur Bragi Björnsson. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Árni Sæberg

“These stories are important because those who came before us, their personal and political battles as well as everyday lives, affect the way we live our lives and think today. We should thus respect our history and learn from it.”

MORE: Reykjavik one of world's top 10 gay-friendly travel destinations

“We need to stay on guard and continue the fight against homophobia, transphobia, racism and other prejudices. Our queer community is expanding and we need to work towards increased visibility, respect and human rights of all our siblings.”

Scenes from 2011.

Scenes from 2011. Photo: Eggert Jóhannesson

The focus this on educational and fun events, culminating in the shimmering Pride Parade on Saturday. Some 100,000 regularly attend the Parade and adjacent events – more than attend the celebrations for Iceland’s national day on 17 June.

MORE: Thousands celebrate Gay Pride in Reykjavik

For the first time ever this year, a special beer has been brewed for the occasion by Bryggjan master brewers . The full official programme for Reykjavik Pride can be found here .

The Pride Parade is one of Iceland's very biggest events.

The Pride Parade is one of Iceland's very biggest events. Photo: Iceland Monitor/Eggert Jóhannesson

MORE: Pagan and humanist gay weddings in Iceland

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