North Macedonia Capital Hosts First Pride Parade

The first-ever Pride Parade staged in the capital of North Macedonia started on Saturday at noon in the park in front of the national assembly in the centre of Skopje. After a stroll through the sun-drenched city streets, the marchers ended up in Skopje's main park.

The stage in the park was occupied by various artists who entertained the crowd. The highlight however was the performance of the song "Proud" by local pop star Tamara Todevska, who was this year's Eurovision jury winner.

Signalling government support for the event, the Minister of Social Policy, Mila Carovska addressed the crowd who enjoyed heightened police protection.

The parade is seen as a significant event because North Macedonia is the last country in the Balkans to get round to holding a Pride march.

Photo: BIRN/ Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Photo: BIRN/ Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Photo: BIRN/ Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Photo: BIRN/ Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Photo: BIRN/ Sinisa Jakov Marusic

Photo: BIRN/ Sinisa Jakov Marusic