The city of the Strait returns to color with the colors of the rainbow on the occasion of the fifth edition of the “Strait Pride”, the event dedicated to the promotion of the rights and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+community. An expected appointment that is animating the streets of Messina with a festive and claimative procession, a symbol of a civil battle against any form of discrimination. The procession started from Piazza Antonello at 5.30 pm and is crossing the main city arteries: Corso Cavour, via Tommaso Cannizzaro and, from Piazza Cairoli, continued along the west roadway of via Garibaldi until it reaches Piazza Unione European, where the event will end around 9 pm.
To accompany the procession, as per tradition, a truck with music and animation, but the festive atmosphere will not obscure the profound meaning of the initiative: a strong message against inequalities and for the recognition of civil rights for all and all. The slogan chosen for the 2025 edition is “universally real”, to underline the desire to make the rights of LGBTQIA+visible and concrete.
The city also visually participated in the initiative: the facade of Palazzo Zanca, the seat of the Municipality, has been illuminated with the colors of the rainbow and will host the “Pride” drape as a symbol of institutional support to the community. On the occasion of the day, ATM will also decorate the Smart Buses of buses with rainbow -themed posters.
«Pride is not a party. It is a struggle, a battle that we carry on with joy and determination. The real party will be only when everyone has equal rights, “he said Rosario Duca, President of Arcigay Messina, during the presentation of the event. To echo him, the words of the councilor Liana Cannata: “Pride is an opportunity to reiterate that Messina is an open and welcoming city, where every identity has value”. Councilor Alessandra Calafiore instead highlighted the role of institutions in promoting respect for diversity and contrasting all forms of discrimination. Also this year wide participation, with thousands of people from all over the province and also from nearby Calabria.