Mantua – A colorful crowd of over two thousand people, one big collective embrace under the June sun, with a desire to live together in freedom, to be themselves and to claim rights that are still denied. Defying the first heat, today’s Mantova Pride, organized by Arsiège “La Salamandra”, was a joyous gathering of the LGBTQ community with all those supporting the fight for civil rights.
An event full of tangible excitement at fifteen o’clock an hour before departure with the music of the parade floats lined up along the avenue leading to the Palazzo Te with the Arciège float in pole position. And then we leave: a stream of people parade down Viale delle Remembranze and then through the Conciliazione with hats and rainbow flags, while the freedom of the body is also conspicuous in the use (without gender boundaries) of fishnet stockings, flashy makeup and explodes violently. stiletto heels. And in between too many families with children, elderly parents beside their children, couples remembering the slogan “Pyaar Pyaar Hai”.
Satisfied Valeria Nicoli, President of the Arsiège La Salamandra Territorial Committee: “I am very happy that this year Mantova Pride is once again paraded and paraded through the streets of the city. At this time it is important not to let your guard down and to be close to those in the LGBTQIA community who are victims of discrimination. We wanted Mantova Pride to prove the struggles and the big network of associations and realities, the municipality of Mantova and the municipalities and provinces that sponsor it, and the supporters that join and support it.
The procession passes through Chiesi and from there, in a straight line, the great parade marches to Piazza Sordello, invading the center of Mantua with pride, color and pretensions. The usually sleepy city is overwhelmed with a strong rush of excitement. Singing and dancing during Pride: Songs from Lady Gaga, another one of the most loved stars by the LGBTQ community, bounce from one float to another.
“Mantova Pride 2023” – explains Ariana Labanti, in charge of Arsiège Mantova youth groups – “is a fundamental event for the youngest: the parade is a physical space in which to feel free to express themselves. In the center and in the squares, Even for just one day, the most important claim is to give visibility to the experiences and experiences of those who are victims of violence in everyday life.”
And the event becomes a collective party on stage, in Piazza Sordello, with the intervention of institutions and dozens of member associations (among them Arci, CGIL, Anpi, Rete Studidi, Fridays For Future, eQual), historically led by the Salamandra Sisters. is presented in Drag Milly’s until late into the evening and then with concerts, burlesque performances and DJ sets.
Emmanuel Bellintani