Helsinki Pride Parade Brings 100,000 People Together in Powerful Celebration of Equality

The Helsinki Pride Parade took place earlier today, drawing a crowd that filled Senate Square and spilled out into the surrounding streets. Despite the grey skies, spirits were bright. A sea of rainbow flags swept across central Helsinki as thousands came together to celebrate human rights, visibility and unity.

Helsinki Police estimate that around 100,000 people joined the parade. According to their official statement, the event remained peaceful throughout.

For Annu Kemppainen of the Helsinki Pride community, the parade is much more than a celebration. It is a moment of resistance.

“We are seeing things change in Europe. In Hungary, the president banned the Pride march. People are getting fined just for showing up. It’s a reminder that rights can be taken back if we’re not careful.”

The event wasn’t just local. Participants traveled in from across Finland and beyond, including groups from Turku, Estonia and Romania. Many called it the highlight of their year.

Mayor Daniel Sazonov led the march. He said the city’s leadership was present in large numbers to stand with the LGBTQ+ community.

“Helsinki must always be a city where everyone is welcome. Pride is how we show that.”

Although President Alexander Stubb did not attend in person, he serves as this year’s patron of Helsinki Pride. No sitting president before him has held that role. According to the Office of the President, he and his spouse are patrons of many events and cannot attend all of them. Still, their stance was made clear.

“As patrons, we support equality and stand firmly against discrimination,” said the presidential couple in a statement released earlier in June. “Everyone deserves dignity, self-determination, and respect, regardless of who they are.”

Among the parade-goers were Jonna Katajainen and Lilja Känkänen, who traveled from Turku.

“The energy here is totally different from home,” said Känkänen.

“It matters to be seen. It matters to show up and show support,” Katajainen added.

Margus Kusman, originally from Estonia, now lives in Finland. He spoke about how different things felt here.

“In Estonia, I never knew if I could attend a parade safely. Here, I don’t have to think twice. That’s something to be proud of.”

The sports world also made its presence known. Footballer Riku Riski came to honor the memory of Janne Puhakka, the former professional hockey player who passed away last year.

“In sports, I’ve heard it all – in the locker room, on the field, everywhere. Janne broke barriers just by being honest. We need more voices like his,” said Riski.

Football coach Linda Ruutu agreed.

“I’ve had positive experiences in sports, but I’ve also seen the darker side – hate speech, judgment. It’s still happening, especially in women’s sports.”

The parade began at noon, moving through the city along Aleksanterinkatu, Mannerheimintie, Fabianinkatu and Kasarmikatu. The march ended in Kaivopuisto where the annual Park Festival took place.

Laughter, music and speeches filled the park well into the afternoon. More than just a celebration, this year’s Pride parade carried a message that cannot be ignored: Helsinki is a city that believes in equality – not just in words, but in action.