MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Eighteen years later, Miami Beach Pride is still one of the stand out events that happens on Ocean Drive, and this year, it’s bigger, bolder and more vibrant than ever.
“This year, we are going for our fourth victory in the parade,” said AJ Prasaguet, general manager of the Palace Bar & Restaurant. “We are also the hub for Miami Beach Pride -- all the floats stop right at the Palace.”
From drag brunches to beach parties, this is where celebration, culture and community collide.
“Pride did start as political. It’s always been political, but it’s evolved into a celebration of individuality, personality, love, life, all things -- not just LGBTQIA. And this year, because of the climate here in Florida, I think it’s really, really meaningful to come out (and) show your support,” community advocate Timur Tugberk said.
Pride continues to be both a celebration and a statement, drawing hundreds of thousands to South Florida.
“Miami Beach Pride started in 2009, and I bought Palace in 2007. The bar owners got together to start working on how we can start a Pride on South Beach,” Tom Donall, Palace co-owner/co-founder of Miami Beach Pride, said.
“We had 15,000 people show up the first year. The next year, it went up to 40,000, and it just kept growing,” said Donald “Donnie”, Palace co-owner/co-founder of Miami Beach Pride.
At the heart of it all is iconic spots like the Palace, helping turn Pride into a full weekend experience.
“This year for Pride, we are piggy-backing off of Miami Beach Pride’s theme of infinite. And this year for us, it’s going to be ‘infinite love is limitless,’ and it’s a week-long of festivities,” Prasaguet said.
Nonstop shows will be held that keep the energy going well into the night.
“On Friday, we start our world-famous drag brunches, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.,” Prasaguet said. “Then we pop into Saturday and this is where we start our weekend festivities of rooftop pool parties.”
“Our drag shows are every day from 7 p.m. until midnight,” Prasaguet added.
And if you’re new to Pride, consider this your survival guide. First things first, crowd participation is a must!
“Come in with boas, come in with hats, come in with wild, crazy looks and don’t forget that you need to be ready to just have the most fun you’re ever going to have, either on your vacation or while you’re here enjoying Pride. But it will be the time of your life,” Prasaguet said.
“It’s a great feeling when people are having a lot of fun and a good time, enjoying the day and the weekend,” Donnie said.
And the celebration kicks off Friday with a groundbreaking for a brand-new Pride Park.
The pavers from the iconic rainbow crosswalk were saved and are being repurposed at Lummus Park.
After the ceremony, there will be a party at the Palace.
Click here for more information on Miami Beach Pride events.
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