What began as a small local initiative has grown into one of the Costa del Sol’s most vibrant and inclusive events—Manilva Pride. Over the years, this celebration of diversity has evolved from a modest parade into a full-scale weekend festival, drawing thousands of visitors and bringing the local community together in support of equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.
The first Manilva Pride events emerged around 2019, organised through the collaboration of the Manilva Town Hall’s Equality and Foreign Residents departments and the local association Be Yourself. These early editions featured street performances, small parades, and lively shows around Sabinillas and the Puerto de la Duquesa.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the summer event was paused, but organisers responded creatively by launching the Winter Pride, a more intimate version held in December. Despite restrictions, the event kept the spirit alive with drag shows, holiday markets, and festive street entertainment.
By 2022, Manilva Pride was back in full force. It spanned several days and included performances from local and national artists, a colourful parade, and enthusiastic public support from town officials. In 2023, the festival solidified its place in the calendar with expanded programming, including multiple music stages, an extended parade route, and themed parties.
Bigger and brighter
The 2024 edition broke all previous attendance records. With the main stage relocated to the beachfront in Sabinillas, the event reached new levels of visibility and accessibility. The combination of music, drag, dancing, and community spirit created a truly electric atmosphere.
Now in 2025, Manilva Pride continues to grow. Held this year on 13th and 14th June, it features a dazzling lineup of live performances, DJs, parades, and family-friendly zones—transforming the Paseo Marítimo into a sea of rainbow flags and smiling faces. More than a celebration, Manilva Pride is a proud statement of inclusion, visibility, and love—embraced not only by the LGBTQ+ community but by the wider Manilva population and its many international residents.
From its humble beginnings to its current scale, Manilva Pride stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to celebrate equality.
