Miami Beach will kick off its 17th annual Pride celebration today, with a flag-raising ceremony at 6 p.m. outside City Hall. The progress pride flag will be hoisted to symbolize the city’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity.
According to the Miami Beach website, the celebrations will continue with Pride Lights the Night at SoundScape Park at 7:30 p.m., leading up to the main festival and parade over the weekend. The ten-day event will feature social mixers, arts, culture, and entertainment, drawing over 185,000 attendees.
Local leaders, including Mayor Steven Meiner and Commissioner Alex Fernandez, will raise the progress pride flag alongside the American flag at City Hall. Fernandez expressed pride in Miami Beach's welcoming atmosphere, saying, “As an openly gay man, I’m proud to call Miami Beach home – a city where love is louder than hate and everyone belongs,” in a Miami Beach release.
The Miami Beach Pride event serves as a gathering for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, celebrating diversity and inclusion. Although Pride month is nationally recognized in June, Miami Beach holds its celebration earlier in the year.
