The Challenge: Two Prides, One Day – Am I Mad or a Genius?
The answer is YES!
Let me set the scene: it’s July 2025, and I’m standing in central London with a Pride fan in one hand, a backpack on my shoulders, and just a few hours to make it from Pride in London to Madrid Pride. Two cities. Two parades. One fabulous gay day.
People thought I was joking when I first floated the idea online, a bit of cheeky banter, a fun concept, maybe even a travel disaster in the making. But the more I thought about it, the more I had to make it happen. Why choose one when you can do both?
London and Madrid usually host their Pride parades on the same Saturday in early July, often the first of the month. (While dates can vary slightly each year, it’s worth checking my Pride calendar for confirmed info before planning your own double-Pride adventure.)
Pride in London usually kicks off around midday, while Madrid Pride tends to start later in the evening (and if you know Spain, 8pm is practically an aperitif). Even with the one-hour time difference working against us, I figured that with a perfectly timed flight and a little travel luck, it might just be possible.
Was it exhausting? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Hell yes — two Prides, two countries, one unforgettable day.
But here’s the thing: this wasn’t just a chaotic travel stunt. This was a celebration of how far we’ve come. Two of Europe’s most iconic queer capitals, bursting with colour, protest, party, and Pride — and I got to be part of both.
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Planning the Impossible: From London to Madrid
Let’s be real, doing two Prides in one day sounds a bit unhinged. But with the stars aligning and a very specific flight schedule, it is possible. Here’s exactly how I pulled it off, and how you can too.
Transport & Timings Tips (So You Can Do It Too)
The secret to this mad mission? Precision. I booked a 4pm direct flight from London Heathrow to Madrid Barajas, landing at 7:20pm local time, just as the Madrid Pride Parade was kicking off.
Key things to keep in mind:
Pre-book everything and plan everything carefully:
From your flights and airport train to your Madrid airport transfer, book in advance. There’s no time for faffing about.
And thanks to marching at the very front of Pride in London (yes, main character energy), I was done by around 1pm and had enough time to zip straight to Heathrow Terminal 5.
Fly into Madrid T4 if possible:
It’s the newest terminal, and has a quicker flow through immigration. Also ideal for getting a taxi into town, as close as possible to the end of the parade route (Plaza de Colón).
Want to try this yourself? I used Skyscanner to find the perfect flight — use flexible date search and set alerts for next year’s Pride weekend! Find the best flight deals for Madrid Pride here.
Would I recommend trying to squeeze in a meal or drink at the airport? Only a quick bite. This is a sprint, not a Sunday brunch.
Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind:
Whether it’s a missed flight, a Pride glitter injury (yes, really), or just peace of mind, travel insurance is a no-brainer.
I use Heymondo, which offers comprehensive, easy-to-manage coverage for LGBTQ+ travellers. Get 5% off your travel insurance with Heymondo here.
US residents: Standard pricing applies.
What to Pack for a Double-Pride Day
This isn’t your average weekend getaway. You need to be Pride-ready for two cities in very different climates and vibes, and still move like a ninja through airports and parades.
Here’s what I packed:
One Pride look that layers well:
I wore a top and jeans/trousers for London Pride, and packed a pair of shorts in my backpack to change into for the warmer Madrid evening. Quick outfit switch = fresh for round two.
Backpack only:
I didn’t check luggage — just one trusty backpack with essentials, snacks, and Pride touch-ups. Security was quicker, and I didn’t have to wait around at baggage claim in Madrid.
I used my Fjällräven Kånken Rainbow backpack, which honestly felt like the perfect Pride day companion. It’s lightweight, roomy enough for a change of clothes, and the rainbow straps added the perfect queer touch to my look.
Travel-size Pride survival kit:
Sunscreen, deodorant, fan, sunglasses, lip balm, wet wipes, plasters. Trust me.
Pro tip: Madrid in July is hot. You’ll want breathable fabrics, comfy shoes, and whatever makes you feel like your most fabulous self — times two.
Luggage Storage Solutions:
Need to drop your bags before check-in or after the march? Bounce offers secure and affordable luggage storage across Madrid. Book a luggage storage spot in Kraków with Bounce here.
The Two Prides in One Day Challenge: How It All Went Down
Let’s be real: pulling off two Prides in one day was wild, a bit ridiculous, and probably one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done.
This wasn’t just about making it from one parade to another. It was about pushing the boundaries of what Pride travel can be, and seeing if it was actually possible to soak up two massive celebrations, in two different countries, all one day. Here’s how it all unfolded, from the streets of London to the parties of Madrid.
Pride in London: Marching Boots & a 12pm Kick-Off
The day started right in the heart of my hometown. I’ve been part of Pride in London for years now, and every time I join the parade, it still gives me chills. There’s just something about seeing the crowds, the colours, the signs, the families, the first-timers… it never gets old.
This year was even more special because I wasn’t just marching — I was in the very front of the parade, with Pride in London’s volunteer contingent. We gathered at Hyde Park Corner just after 11am, and by midday, I was surrounded by a sea of colour, music and joy as the march set off through central London.
What followed was nothing short of iconic.
Walking Front of the Parade
Walking at the front of Pride in London felt like being in the beating heart of queer joy and power. We were a high-profile, high-energy group, led by a roll call of icons: Mayor Sadiq Khan, Naomi Campbell (yes, you read that right), Edward Enninful, Vanessa Williams, and Matt Henry — all marching proudly in solidarity with our community.
The parade took us down Piccadilly, past Trafalgar Square, and along Whitehall, with the crowd cheering us on every step of the way. It was all glitter, flags, hugs from strangers, and that electric sense of unity that only a Pride parade can bring.
We wrapped up around 1:30pm at Horse Guards Parade, and with a final wave to the crowd, I made my exit. There was no time to lose — I had a plane to catch.
London Hotels near the parade route sell out fast — check rates here to stay close to the action.
Airport Dash and Off to Madrid Pride
I darted off to Paddington Station, jumped on the Heathrow Express, and headed straight to Terminal 5. Madrid was calling.
No time for a lounge — just a security sprint, a Pret sandwich, and a moment to breathe before boarding. I was still in my London Pride outfit, but that was about to change. Madrid, get ready — I was landing with glitter in my bag and a fresh outfit in my backpack.
Madrid Pride Madness: From Parade Floats to Chueca Parties
Touchdown in Madrid and the adrenaline kicked right back in.
With barely a moment to spare, we grabbed a taxi and asked the driver to get us as close as possible to Plaza de Colón — not an easy task with the streets blocked for the parade, but somehow, we made it work. By 8pm, we had arrived at the heart of Madrid Pride (Madrid Orgullo) just before the parade rolled in. Timing? Impeccable.
From there, we walked to the Cibeles Fountain, where the parade was beginning to approach. What followed was a full-blown explosion of queer joy: community organisations, activist groups, and non-stop floats blasting music as far as the eye could see. The energy was wild, the crowd electric — it felt like the entire city had come out to party. And it just kept going. Floats continued well past midnight, possibly even until 1am.
After a quick hotel check-in (more on that in the next section) and the fastest Pride freshen-up of my life, we headed straight into Chueca, Madrid’s legendary gay neighbourhood.
Madrid Hotels near the parade route sell out fast — check rates here to stay close to the action.
Partying in Chueca until the Wee Hours
The streets were absolutely buzzing. Queer joy filled every bar, every square, every balcony. People danced in the streets, sang with strangers, and toasted to freedom and Pride. From open-air stages to spontaneous dance-offs, Chueca was pure chaos — the good kind. We stayed out until 5am, soaking it all in with zero pressure to post or pose — just living it. I barely took any photos, and I’m not mad about it. Some nights are meant to be experienced, not documented.
Coming next: where to stay in Madrid and how to plan your own Madrid Pride trip like a pro.
