Baltic Pride 2025 festival kicks off in Vilnius

VILNIUS – Baltic Pride 2025 festival kicks off in Vilnius on Monday under the slogan “Free to Be (Yourself)“.

Taking place for the sixth time, the festival will last for a week.

"I think our festival is the biggest in the Baltic states," Vladimir Simonko, head of the Lithuanian Gay League, said during the presentation of the event program.

Around 20,000 people are expected to attend the festival's main event, the march, Simonko said, adding that the festival continues to grow every year.

"We understand that our community has its limits, it is what it is, but families, as well as schools, companies are joining our community, (...) companies really want to join us, to be in solidarity (...), and that's why I think that we can expect 20,000," the LGL leader said.

The March for Equality! is planned in the afternoon on June 7.

"My team and I personally promise we'll have enough sound for everyone. And this sound will spread love over hate. I think people who will come will feel the power of love and this is our biggest statement against those who may still be on the road to equality," Simonko said.

The march will be followed by a concert near the White Bridge.

Vilnius remains a beacon of freedom in the region, Ieva Dirmaite, chair of the Human Rights Commission at Vilnius City Municipality, says, adding that that Baltic Pride is "much more than just an event, more than just a march".

Baltic Pride 2025 will take place after Lithuania's Constitutional Court gave the green light to register gender-neutral partnerships in mid-April.

Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas is also expected to take part in the march.