CSD stands for Christopher Street Day. It is an event that takes place in many cities around the world as a demonstration and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The CSD commemorates the Stonewall Uprising that took place on Christopher Street in New York City in June 1969. It was the first time LGBTQ+ people publicly resisted police discrimination and violence.
Where does the tradition of celebrating CSD come from?
The CSD usually consists of a parade or march in which participants are often colourfully and differently dressed and carry rainbow flags and other Pride flags. The event aims to advocate for the rights and visibility of LGBTQ+ people, protest discrimination and exclusion and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. CSD has developed into an important social event and takes place annually in many cities. Besides the political message, the CSD often includes cultural events such as concerts, films, exhibitions and parties. It is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ people and their supporters to stand together for equality and acceptance.
CSD – Dates in German cities
Typically, the CSD events in the larger German cities take place in summer, often between (April) June and August (September). Some cities where CSD parades and events can take place are:
- Berlin
- Bremen
- Dresden
- Dortmund
- Düsseldorf
- Essen
- Frankfurt am Main
- Hamburg
- Hanover
- Köln
- Leipzig
- München
- Nuremberg
- Stuttgart
It is advisable to check online for the exact dates and venues for the CSD in a particular city or contact local LGBTQ+ organisations for the most up-to-date information.
https://www.csd-termine.de/europa/deutschland
Hanover, 27.05.23
In recent years, the CSD in the state capital of Hanover, Lower Saxony, has had to overcome a number of challenges. Various concepts have been tried out, including the project “flaming hearts”, the “HannoverPride” and currently a project with the official name “CSD Hannover” is running, organised by the association andersraum e.V., a gay and lesbian centre. The CSD in Hanover includes a two-day street festival over Whitsun with numerous associations from the LGBTQ+ scene and a parade on Whit Saturday. There will be a varied supporting programme with cultural events.
https://www.facebook.com/HannoverCSD/
Dresden, 10.06.23
The CSD Dresden e.V. was founded at the end of 2001 as an independent association from the Gerede Dresden e.V. and since then organises the annual Christopher Street Day in Dresden, which takes place in early summer. Through many years of continuous and committed work, CSD Dresden e.V. has not only made a respectable name for itself with many other associations, clubs, initiatives and interest groups, but has also become an integral part of the CSD calendar for many visitors. This reputation even extends beyond the borders of the Free State of Saxony. In addition to individual events that take place throughout the year, the main task of the association is, of course, the organisation of the actual CSD in Dresden, which is celebrating an anniversary and will take place for the 30th time in 2023.
Düsseldorf, 10.06.23
The CSD Düsseldorf, which takes place every year, offers a varied programme for participants and visitors. The exact schedule can vary from year to year, but it usually includes various events and activities. These include political discussions, cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions and film screenings, but also parties and the colourful street festival.
The history of CSD Düsseldorf goes back to the 1970s, when the LGBTQ+ community started to stand up for their rights and become visible. The first CSD in Düsseldorf took place in 1973 and was a political demonstration for equality and against discrimination. Since then, CSD Düsseldorf has developed into a major event that conveys political messages as well as being a celebration of diversity and acceptance.
München, 24.06.23
The colourful Pride München not only creates a great atmosphere. Christopher Street Day in Munich traditionally begins with the Street Festival at Angertor, which kicks off Pride München for all LGBTI people. The Gay Pride Festival, also known internationally as the Christopher Street Day Festival, offers an attractive variety of events. A highlight is the political parade on the second Saturday. Other highlights of Gay Pride are the Town Hall Clubbing and the Street Festival at Marienplatz and Rindermarkt. Of course, there is a wide range of entertainment, food and drink on offer – and the fun even continues on the Sunday after!
Köln, 09.07.23
In the city on the Rhine, this event takes place annually between the first two weekends of July and attracts thousands of participants and visitors. During this time, the rainbow flag is raised and a strong sign is set for tolerance. A cheerful but also demonstrative programme with numerous events makes this time an unforgettable experience. People from the LGBTQ+ community dressed in garish costumes dance to the sounds of many bands. Peaceful demonstrations take place all over the city centre. The numerous political events and cultural party events are always at the centre of the fight for social equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals. A political stage on the Old Market offers enough discussion material for all those interested in politics. A varied cultural and cabaret programme with well-known stars from the stage, radio and television enriches the experience for all participants and visitors.
The absolute highlight of Cologne Pride is the CSD Street Festival, which takes place over three days around the Heumarkt. It is a festival with colourful participants and a varied programme that is as colourful as the rainbow, the symbol of all participants. A glittering finale to the event is the parade, in which festively decorated floats ride along in the style of the Cologne carnival. The CSD parade starts in the district of Deutz, runs along the Deutzer Brücke with a breathtaking view of the old town of Cologne, through the city centre and ends magnificently at Cologne Cathedral. There, in a contemplative yet solemn memorial service, all friends and acquaintances who have died of HIV and AIDS will be remembered.
Frankfurt am Main, 15.07.23
In Frankfurt, the gay scene has always been very large and diverse. There have been a lot of bars, pubs and restaurants for many years. It is therefore not surprising that Christopher Street Day (CSD) is an integral part of this metropolis on the Main. The Gay Pride is a major event that is firmly counted on in Frankfurt. Of course, the lesbian community is not neglected. Many businesses are geared towards this day and offer special attractions and services. Pride Frankfurt” shows the entire size and diversity of this event during the CSD Frankfurt am Main. Meanwhile, the event also attracts many visitors from outside. If you want to take part in the CSD Frankfurt from outside, you should therefore make sure you find accommodation in good time. Otherwise, the Rückreise must be guaranteed.
Leipzig, 15.07.23
In Leipzig, the first CSD took place on 28 June 1992 to commemorate the Stonewall riots on Christopher Street in New York in 1969. A small but highly motivated group of people set themselves a clear goal: they wanted to stand up for equal rights for all ways of loving and model themselves on the 1969 protests in New York. Recognition and respect were their central concerns. This is how the oldest CSD in East Germany came into being.
30 years later, the idea of respect still motivates volunteers from Leipzig to organise the CSD together year after year. A small group of committed volunteers, including private individuals, associations, initiatives, parties and groups, organise a week of events, a street festival and a political demonstration in the centre of Leipzig every year. These events stand for freedom, acceptance and diversity.
https://www.csd-leipzig.de/ueber-uns
Berlin, 22.07.23
On 28 June, the capital is traditionally transformed into a loud, wild and colourful event. On the parade you can hear different music genres from techno über pop to Schlager. Add to this the cheering voices of the participants expressing their joy. It is clear that a beer or two is consumed in the process. Despite the increased noise level and alcohol consumption, the parade is usually peaceful. After the parade, the party often continues in one of the many bars or clubs in the city.
It is not uncommon for celebrities and politicians close to the gay pride movement to be spotted at the parade. In the past years, Joschka Fischer, Jürgen Trittin and the former mayor of the capital, Klaus Wowereit, have already taken part in the festival. Of course, everyone is welcome, regardless of age, sexual orientation or gender.
This year, Christopher Street Day in Berlin can once again be eagerly awaited. A team of over 20 members of the LGBTQ+ community and numerous volunteers are working to ensure that the CSD is once again a great success. It is recommended to book hotels in the vicinity well in advance, as a large crowd of early revelers is expected to visit the city.
Stuttgart, 29.07.23
The CSD in Stuttgart often takes the opportunity to take a position on current developments in the field of equality. For example, a particular focus recently was on upholding the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. A significant part of CSD Stuttgart is undoubtedly Pride Stuttgart, a party with the best DJs in the city or even the entire LGBTQ+ community.
As in other cities, the parade in Stuttgart is a central part of the CSD and passes directly through the city centre and the centrally located Schlossplatz. Pride Stuttgart is supported by numerous clubs in the city, which welcome many party-loving people during the evening. In recent years, Stuttgart has established itself as one of the most liberal cities in Central Europe and has become a centre for lesbian and gay pride.
https://www.stuttgart-pride.de
Essen, 05.08.23
The ruhrPRIDE is the largest queer street festival in the Ruhr area and an integral part of the CSDs in Germany. The non-profit association ruhrPRIDE e.V. is looking forward to celebrating and inviting all interested people to a colourful festival on Saturday, 5 August. The highlights of the ruhrPRIDE are the big demonstration and the subsequent street party on Kennedyplatz, which is located in the centre of Essen. Already in the week before there will be a multifaceted supporting programme with diverse queer events.
Under the motto “All from one pot!”, the ruhrPRIDE invites all people to stand up for an open society, diversity and acceptance and to demonstrate and celebrate loudly together with us.
Hamburg, 05.08.23
However, CSD Hamburg also presents a more serious facet as it discusses issues such as equal rights for gays and lesbians. Pride Hamburg also offers a variety of parties. There are various venues throughout the city of Hamburg where Christopher Street Day is celebrated. However, the extensive offer of the Gay Pride is not only aimed at gays and lesbians, but all people are cordially invited to take part in the CSD and join in the celebrations. In the evening in particular, there are special benefits for all guests who come to Pride Hamburg, and there will be dancing to electronic music and beats.
Every year at Pride Hamburg there is a big street party that takes place on Jungfernstieg and Ballindamm. Here you can also experience a variety of culinary delights. Several Bühnen are waiting to be admired by international and national artists. The LGBTI community not only ensures an exuberant mood, but also transforms the city of Hamburg into a lively rainbow of art and culture. A special highlight of Gay Pride is the recently introduced Rainbow Day, on which the LGBTI community shows its artistic and creative side. There is laughter and dancing in various costumes. In the evening, this small parade ends with some music on the beach. The absolute and eagerly awaited highlight of each year is the CSD parade.
Nürnberg, 05.08.23
The LGBTQIA+ community of the entire Nürnberg-Fürth-Erlangen region and the Nürnberg metropolitan region can look forward to a varied programme of activities for two colourful weeks. More than 50 diverse events are planned. Prideweeks will take place from Thursday 20 July to Sunday 6 August, with the CSD demonstration on 5 August, the central element of every CSD, remaining of great importance in 2023 to counter the obvious political R&R and hostile events againstüthe LGBTQIA+ community.
Scene tours, cultural tours, readings, concerts, pub quizzes, rainbow picnics, workshops, information events, poetry slams, exhibitions, political events, our CSD information booth, culinary experiences, sporting events, movie nights, hikes, motorbike rides, picnics, Cheers for Queers, Insta-Live events, school projects, the “CSD on Tour” and much more will be offered.
Bremen, 26.08.23
The CSD Bremen has a long history that goes back to the 1980s. During this time, many LGBT activist groups emerged in Germany, fighting for equal rights and acceptance. In Bremen, too, people organised themselves and founded the CSD Bremen to draw attention to the concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community. Since then, the CSD Bremen has taken place every year and has become a permanent institution.
Dortmund, 03.09.23
Under the motto “Together with a lot of love – hand in hand for human rights”, the 24th Christopher Street Day (CSD) will take place in Dortmund on 3 September. The Dortmund LGBTIQ* community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, inter*, queer) will promote solidarity and equal rights with a demonstration through the city centre.
The topic could not be more topical. LGBTIQ* human rights are under pressure worldwide, especially in the war in Ukraine. But there is still a lot to do in Germany as well. Together we are working to ensure that queer people can live in peace and enjoy equal rights.