With the ushering of spring there could not have been a more befitting festival of celebration chosen to be the front runner than the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade. The 8th annual three day Gay Parade, brings together colorful people, energies and atmosphere, that when culminated gives you an experience of a lifetime. Since its inception in 2009, the LGBT community from near and far, as well as Miami locals has been marching on Ocean Drive to share an embodying experience. Among the sponsors were NBC 6, a proud media sponsor along with over 100 businesses that supported this staging.
The successful Parade garnered in 2011 more than 40,000 participants, in 2012 more than 60,000 participants, in 2013 more than 80,000 participants, in 2014 more 100,000 and in 2015 more than 130,000 people from all walks of life attended the three-day celebration. The momentum and anticipation of this vibrant and unforgettable three day festival heighten each year. With this year gathering set to deliver nothing shy of only the greatest parade ever.
In honor of the commencement and celebration of the 8th annual Gay Pride, on April 6, Miami Beach unveiled the city's very first rainbow street sign topper, as part of Gay Pride 2016. It's located at the intersection of 12th Street and Ocean Drive. Miami Beach Gay Pride kicked off Friday night with a spectacular, red carpet style VIP reception at the W South Beach.
Saturday was a beach party and festival booths, as well as several drag brunches and other celebration. Sunday, there was the major anticipated parade that brought out thousands of participants. Number one listened to radio show, host Elvis Duran was Pride 2016 Grand Marshall lead the colorful parade on its final day. Australian rapper Iggy Azalea best known for her hit “Fancy” celebrated in style with her LGBT fans. Also in attendance was Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen who came to celebrate with the LGBT community as well. Supporters came out in their number and colors with their infectious vibrant spirit and we could not leave out the signature rainbow which was a staple that lit up the parade and definitely set the mood. The attires, hair, costumes were bold, fabulous, colorful and mind blowing.
Headliner, Jordan Sparks slayed her performance, showing off her amazing voice on Sunday night from the Guyzapp Main Stage in Lummus Park. Accompanied with her breathtaking performance and a great show were spectacular fireworks displayed over the Atlantic Ocean.
The mission of Miami Beach Gay Pride is to bring together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, their friends, allies, and supporters in celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBTQ community. This year’s 8th staging was spectacular and definitely a success and we are already anticipating the return of next year’s staging.